Billy goes to the Jubilee
Tuesday 22 June 1897 Jubilee Day (Billy has spent the night at
his friends the Pearce’s place in St. John’s Wood).
Got up early this morning intending to get away as soon as
possible. Ern Pearce just returned from work (Times Office) had
found that people had already taken up their positions. For all
that, we were a long while making a start, went around the [Lords
Cricket] Ground. Bern had a go at cricket with Ern and
Bert[1] in the nets. Then [we] saw
the Volunteers form up and march away to line the route [so] we
went. Decided to make for Hyde Park Corner but were unable to get
there so got into Piccadilly just as the troops (Gordon
Highlanders) lined the streets.
The Colonial Procession at Hyde Park
Corner, reproduced from Billy’s copy of Sixty Years a Queen: 1837 –
’97, p.202.
First we got between them and the kerb but were soon shifted from
there and managed to get a very good place on the pavement just
opposite Park Lane. Hadn’t been there but a little while when along
came the Colonial Troops under Lord Roberts – as fine a lot of men
as one could wish for. Detachments from the various colonies and
the Colonial Premiers all met with a fine reception. A little later
the first part of the Royal Procession passed headed by Captain O.
Ames 2nd Life Guards, the tallest man in the army, followed by a
grand display of cavalry and artillery, squadrons of various
regiments with bands and Batteries of Ruff ??? etc. These were
proceeded by a Naval detachment with gun.
Captain Ames, 2nd Life Guards and
the tallest man in the British Army at 6’8”, reproduced from
Billy’s copy of Sixty Years a Queen: 1837 – ’97, p.206.
There seemed a never ending blaze of uniforms I thought when the
military portion was passing. This was all surpassed when the
foreign princes and envoys rode along, then officers of the Indian
Native Army, more Life Guards etc. followed by various Royalty in
carriages, and lastly the Queen accompanied by Princess of Wales
and Princess Christian in the State Carriage drawn by eight creams.
She of course got a very warm reception, but I think the crowd was
a bit fagged with the continuous cheering. Certainly the Colonial
Troops and Naval Brigade got quite as warm a greeting. Was much
struck by the Old Lady’s appearance – looked very well in spite of
her years and the anxiety of the day. Was almost disgusted with the
mere mechanical up-and-down motion of the Royal Children, called
“bowing and saluting” I suppose. But to think of the little ones
riding six miles like that is rather painful.
Pipers of the London Scottish
Volunteers escorting Colonial Troops past the National Gallery,
reproduced from Billy’s copy of Sixty Years a Queen: 1837 – ’97,
p.203.
After seeing the whole show pass, we made our way to Whitehall and
had another good view as they returned from St. Pauls. While
waiting there, Bern (who had stood the heat and crush much better
than I expected) came over rather faint so we made away, had a wash
up and dinner, then to Buckingham Palace [where we] saw troops
leave Green Park for the camp in Hyde Park. After inspecting that,
made our way to “Lord” for tea. After a very welcome rest, came out
again on my own., Bern having taken Annie out. Walked to Hyde Park,
heard the band till 9 p.m. then down Piccadilly to view the
illuminations which were very fine. Had a long walk round, then
“home”, supper and to bed.
The Ceremony at St. Pauls,
reproduced from Billy’s copy of Sixty Years a Queen: 1837 – ’97,
p.211.
So ends the long talked of day. Am very glad I was able to see the
sights so well. On the whole, I very much enjoyed it. At the same
time, it was a period of surprises all along: first the fairly
quiet state of railway traffic when we came up, the number and
variety of vehicles driving round the route on Monday night,
principally East Enders and the like – if “variety is charming” it
was a truly beautiful sight. Then on Tuesday the extraordinary good
humour and order of the crowd was very remarkable. Horse play was
conspicuous by its absence. Didn’t see a single drunk. No doubt the
fear of getting crushed had kept many thousands away. From most
quarters came reports of crowds not coming up to expectations and
the excellent order of the same. At night the streets were
certainly very full. I got into Piccadilly and there I had to stop
till taken by the current down St. James St. against my
inclination.
Wednesday 23rd June 1897
Bern and I got up early, caught the first train from Victoria,
arrived in Horsham by 8 a.m. Might have stayed in town today as we
are very slack [at work]. Had a walk round with Dad to view the
Horsham decorations, certainly a very creditable show. They didn’t
have half a bad day here yesterday. Started with open air service
in Carfax, a dinner to Old Folks in Albion Hall, procession of
school children to Springfield Meadow and sports bicycle races etc.
on the cricket field. I suppose it’s decided that the permanent
memorial will be a drinking fountain on Carfax.
Thursday 24th and Friday 25th June 1897
Working with horse and van for W. Fawn on the Jubilee Fete at
Warnham Court and Crabtree.
Saturday 26th June 1897
Great Naval Review held today at Spithead, the largest fleet ever
gathered together. Besides British Men of War and Merchantmen,
there was a very representative fleet from the various navies of
the World.
Artist’s impression of the Fleet at
anchor in Spithead, 26 June 1897, reproduced from Billy’s copy of
Sixty Years a Queen: 1837 – ’97, p.229.
- [1] The three Pearce
brothers.
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