It’s always exciting when a truly historic event takes place. Queen Elizabeth II is the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee and is now the third longest reigning monarch in history. Of course, to the British people it’s a perfect excuse to have a party! Let’s take a look at how Dorset celebrated previous royal events!
Celebrations
Parades, bunting, and cake are an essential part of any regal celebration. For the coronation in 1953, the residents of Shillingstone held a fancy dress parade through the village.
As the first televised coronation in the UK, people were able to see the proceedings inside Westminster Abbey from their own front rooms. Many families bought or rented television sets specifically for the event. Though blurry and difficult to hear, millions tuned in, with an average of 17 people watching each small TV screen.
56 years earlier, in 1897, people gathered at Maumbury Rings to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. It looks like it was a lovely event, but that’s a lot of heavy clothing for a hot day in June!
Regal Artwork
Royal events always inspire creative works. Sometimes it’s the architects that catch the royal bug. The Jubilee Memorial clock in Weymouth was erected in 1888 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. Built on a base of Portland stone, construction funds were raised at Jubilee celebrations the previous year.
Other times it’s the ceramicists. Poole Pottery designed a gorgeous range of ceramics celebrating the Silver Jubilee in 1977, including commemorative plates and mugs.
And you can always count on the musicians! Arthur Rowland of Dewlish put together this rousing to celebrate the coronation of George VI in 1937.
Have you been inspired by the jubilee to create something? Be sure to share it with us on Twitter – @DorsetArchives