Resource Sheet 3

Map of the British Empire, 1886

Map of the British Empire, 1886

Map of the world showing the extent of the British Empire in 1886, National Library of Australia, nla.map-nk10237-e.

Diamond Jubilee celebrations, London

Royal procession

The special feature of the celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, in which her Majesty drove through London in semi-state, was carried out to-day. The royal procession from Buckingham Palace to St. Paul’s Cathedral was a magnificent spectacle, and was witnessed by fully two million persons.

The Brisbane Courier, 24 June 1897.

Along the route

Every window along the route was thronged, and the immense numbers of spectators who occupied the stands and footpaths along the route waved handkerchiefs and banners…During the progress of the procession The Queen bowed continually. The cheers in response were deafening, and there was a spontaneous outburst of the National Anthem and "Rule Britannia".

The Brisbane Courier, 24 June 1897.

Ovation to the colonial premiers and troops

The reception accorded to the Premiers of the different Australian colonies as the procession proceeded, as well as to the colonial troops and the Indian representatives, was most enthusiastic…The spectacle was a most brilliant one, and was throughout a grand success.

The Brisbane Courier, 24 June 1897.

Incidents of the procession

The Colonial procession marched to Buckingham Palace, and thence over the route of the royal procession, forming up round St. Paul’s Churchyard amid cries of "Bravo, Canada!" and "Good Old Australia!" and cooeys. Everyone appeared to be struck by the splendid horsemanship and physique of the colonial troops, and the thunderous applause accorded them right along, from the West End to the East End, showed the sincerity and affection of the welcome. It was apparent that the crowds clearly appreciated the significance of the spectacle thus given of a united empire. The various Premiers were mentioned by name, and each cheered separately, amidst a display of the wildest enthusiasm.

The Brisbane Courier, 24 June 1897.

Starting of the procession

At 11 o’clock yesterday morning her Majesty the Queen left Buckingham Palace…amidst the most tumultuous cheering. On the eve of starting, her Majesty pressed a button in the Palace and a message, for the despatch of which special arrangement had been made, was sent to all the countries and colonies throughout the Empire.

The Brisbane Courier, 24 June 1897.

Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Queensland

Toowoomba

Exactly at twenty seconds past 10 o’clock last night the signal flashed through notifying the commencement of the singing of the Thanksgiving Hymn in London. The Fire Brigade…immediately rang an alarm which was taken up by all the bells and steam whistles through the town, and wherever any groups of persons were congregated the National Anthem was immediately sung.

The Brisbane Courier, 24 June 1897.

Charters towers

Speaking at the luncheon given yesterday, Mr John Marsland…claimed that it was essential for the protection of Australia that she must remain united with the old country, for the Japanese and other Eastern nations might descend on our coast.

The Brisbane Courier, 24 June 1897.

Charleville

The Jubilee celebrations were a great success here. Monday was devoted to a children’s picnic…In the evening a concert in aid of the Church of England Organ Fund was given…A very pleasing episode occurred during the concert. At about 10 o’clock (corresponding with 12 noon in London) a signal was given by the Telegraph Department, and the audience rose and lustily and heartily sang "God Save the Queen", having been previously supplied with printed copies of the words.

The Brisbane Courier, 24 June 1897.

Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Melbourne

Image of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Melbourne, 1897

State Library of Victoria.

Hoarding celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee, 1897

Image of Hoarding celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee, 1897

State Library of Western Australia, 230455PD.

Tour of the British colonies and foreign possessions, 1853

Image titled 'A tour through the British Colonies', c 1855, John Betts

A tour through the British Colonies, c 1855, John Betts, National Library of Australia, nla.pic-an14483064.