Celebrating Queen Victoria's
Diamond Jubilee, 1897 |
A collection of newspaper reports
that were mostly published over 75 years ago. |
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Matlock and District marked Queen Victoria's sixty years on the
throne in some style on Jubilee Day itself. Bunting was put up and
there were lunches and teas, sports and bands entertained the
crowds. In the evening there were torchlight processions, lighted
candle displays and beacons were lit. The walks in Matlock Bath
the were lit with fairy lamps and illuminated boats were out
on the river; the Jubilee celebrations in the village are sometimes
confused with the first
Venetian Fete, but that took place in September the same
year.
Both Matlock and Matlock Bath's Urban District Councils had formulated
expansive plans for schemes to improve both town and village.
Matlock's schemes included laying out the Hall Lees whilst Matlock
Bath was less ambition as they wanted a second bridge across the
Derwent. Matlock was more successful in achieving its aims and
most of the proposed work was completed within the next few years.
Matlock Bath's second bridge was not erected until 1969.
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Reports of Council
discussions about how to mark the event |
The Derby Mercury, Wednesday, 31
March, 1897
The Diamond Jubilee (Matlock Bath)
A meeting was convened by the chairman of Matlock
Bath District Council on Friday night to consider what steps
should be taken in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee. Mr.
J. E. Lawton, J.P. presided. In the course of his remarks the
chairman reminded them what was done ten years ago when some
600l. was raised and a handsome bridge was erected across
the river Derwent, thus giving a retreat for visitors and a
pretty promenade. Public space was necessary where the visitors
could go and enjoy the beauties of the locality There had been
much done that was very beneficial, but they must make an effort
to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee in an appropriate manner.
The town had been offered the whole of the Lovers' Walks complete
by Mr Arkwright, on a rental. A debt existed on the promenade
of 829l., which cost 40l. in interest to those who held the
deeds. After other speeches, the general opinion was in favour
of securing the whole of the Lovers' Walks to add to the existing
promenade, to throw a second bridge over the river at the lower
end of the district, and thus form what would be a splendid
attraction entirely free for visitors and residents. A committee
was formed to carry out this expression, and to raise a fund
for the purpose.
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The Derby Mercury, Wednesday, 26
May, 1897
The Jubilee Celebrations (Matlock).
The local committee of the ministers and principle tradesmen
of the town have submitted to the Urban District Council two
proposals, one for the adoption of the Free Libraries Act,
with which it is proposed to combine at the Town Hall technical
classrooms and library ; and, secondly, a scheme for the laying
out of pleasure grounds and free promenades along both sides
of the picturesque River Derwent. The later scheme is now in
the hands of a committee composed of Mr. E. Slack, J.P., H.
Challand, W. H. Moore, and H. Hartley to go into the financial
part of it, for the District Council. The scheme is for the
laying out of the Hall Lees, throwing a bridge across the town
brook at Knowlestone Place, to below Pig Tor rocks, and from
there on to the extremity of the district, joining that of
Matlock Bath. The Council will also ask for terms to purchase
what is known as Allcock, to preserve from the desecrating
hands of the builder the splendid view of the valley from Smedley
Street, opposite the new Pavilion grounds. It has further been
decided to preserve and develop all open spaces in the town.
A large loan will be asked for from the Local Government Board
when the schemes have been properly formulated, to include
the 500l. to be contributed to the cost of the alterations
to the county bridge, which the County Council will carry out
at a cost of 3,700l.
A public meeting has been convened for tomorrow [in
Matlock]
to consider the celebration of the Jubilee Day itself. It is
proposed to hold dinners, and festivities for the children
and old people of the neighbourhood. It has been arranged by
the Council to light a bonfire on Jackson Tor Rock. At Matlock
Bath the committee have arranged to spend 500l. on the erection
of a new bridge across the Derwent, to join the new promenade
and Lovers' Walks, opened free this year, with the lower end
of the town. A donation by an anonymous donor is announced
of 25l., provided eleven others are offered before June 7th.
The day will be celebrated with a feast for the children and
aged people.
H.
G. Hartley's shop in Crown Square, about 1904
Sparrow
Park, Smedley Street East, 1940s |
The Derby Mercury, Wednesday, 2
June, 1897
THE DIAMOND JUBILEE
On Tuesday night a public meeting was held at the Town Hall,
Mr. E. Slack, J.P., in the chair. ... a celebration of the
day, to take the form of a dinner to the aged people over
60, followed by a general assembly on the cricket ground
for a short 20 minute service the same as the one used at
St. Paul's ; the children of the town to sing patriotic songs,
afterwards tea to be provided by the school managers in each
school, to include every child in the parish ; and finally
for there to be sports, &c., the whole to be concluded
with a bonfire. The bonfire to be on top of Masson instead
of Jackson Tor. ... Bonsall and Matlock Bath asked to join.
... |
The Derby Mercury, Wednesday, 9 June,
1897
It is rumoured that an effort is to be made to commemorate
the Jubilee at Matlock by securing an incorporation charter.
Mr Job Smith, the late chairman of the Urban District Council,
will move that an application be made in the usual form, it
being believed that there is a better opportunity this year
than at any other period. |
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Reports of the what
happened on the day |
Hackney and Farley |
Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald,
26 June 1897
The residents of this district showed their
loyalty in the truest sense by attending to the stomach by
roasting a sheep and a baron of beef. Garlands were erected,
flags and mottoes displayed. Mr. W. Hursthouse was chairman
of the committee, who had about £15 at disposal. Some
150 children and about the same number of adults had a meat
tea. Mr. Allen kindly lent a field for amusements, and Mr.
B. L. Barrow, J.P., found material to make a bonfire. |
Matlock |
Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald,
26 June 1897
The Matlock celebration of the Diamond Jubilee commenced at
three o'clock in the afternoon, when there was a grand assembly
of the whole of the adults and children of the parish in the
cricket ground, in splendid weather. The proceedings were conducted
by Mr. E. Slack, J.P., the Chairman of the Urban District Council
of Matlock, and he was supported by the Rev. J. W. Kewley,
Rev. A. Lowe, Rev. T. M. Shaw, Rev. Jas Wayman, Rev. A. L.
Humphries, M.A., Rev. J. Langstaffe, Messrs. G. Hope, J. Sladen,
J. Potter, H. G. Hartley, Neville Bennett, G. W. Goodwin, T.
Boden, T. Sproul, W. Pride, Rev. Mark Davenport, H. Marsden,
T. Stevens, H. Challand, J. Bradshaw, T. Hazlewood, T. H. Williams,
R. H. Baker, and many others too numerous to mention. The proceedings
were memorable, and the singing, led by the Matlock United
Brass Band, conducted by Mr. D. M. Wildgoose, was very effective.
The only speech of the day was entrusted to the Chairman of
the Urban District Council. - Mr. Slack, J.P., in addressing
the crowd [his speech is not recorded
here but he paid tribute to Queen and Country]. In the
Assembly Room, Mr. and Mrs. Abbott, of the Queen's Head Hotel,
had prepared an excellent dinner for 200 old people. In the
various schools tea was served to 1200 children. The service
was conducted by clergy and ministers alternately. We may add
that the whole of the money was taken from the district rates,
a sum having been voted by the authority, to meet the charges.
The hon. secretaries were Mr. J. Sladen and Mr. B. W. Milward,
and they had a large and willing committee to assist them.
Decorations were general, and the day will not soon fade from
memory. The sports were held in the evening, commencing at
six o'clock, and at nine there was a distribution of prizes
by Miss Harrison, supported by the committee and clergy, from
the cricket pavilion.
The following were the prize winners:-
High Jump (boys under 12). - 1. J. Everitt ; 2. A. Hurst; 3.
A Bridge.
High Jump (boys over 12). - 1. H. Everitt ; 2. T. Williams
; 3. T. Martin.
Stand Jump (under 12). - 1. E. England ; 2. E. Rigley ; 3.
A. Bridge.
Stand Jump (over 12). - 1. H. Knowles ; 2. I. Martin ; 3. B.
Beddington.
Long Jump (under 12). - 1.A. Bridge ; 2. _ Houseley ; 3. J.
Smith.
Long Jump (over 12). - 1. B. Beddington ; 2. _ Knowles ; 3.
I. Martin.
Kicking football (all comers). - 1. B. Beddington ; 2. W. Statham
; 3. H. Ludlam.
100 yards flat (boys under 12). - 1. A. Eaton ; 2. T. Smith
; 3. J. Wall.
100 yards flat (over 12). - 1. B. Thompson ; 2. H. Douglas
; 3. F. Lomas.
100 yards flat (for girls). - 1. H. Fox ; 2. R. Franklin ;
3. L. Ibbetsen.
Skipping contest. - 1. M. Slater ; 2. E. Vallance ; 3. R. Barrett.
Skipping Rope Race. - 1. R. Askew ; 2. K. Beddington ; 3. M.
Turner.
Three-Legged Race (boys under 12). - 1. R. Ash and John Wheeldon
; 2. F. Billings and T. Beck ; 3. J. Gregory and E. Buckley.
Three-Legged Race (over 12). - 1. A. Dakin and J. Taylor ;
2. A. Vallance and G. Hargreaves ; 3. G. Statham and
Sack Race (boys). 1. H. Smith ; T. White ; 3. J. Buckley.
Half Mile Race (boys under 12). 1. T. Smith ; 2. E. England
; 3. A Turner and J. Thompson equal.
Half Mile Race (boys over 12). 1. B. Wall ; 2. F. Steeples
; 3. H. Hand.
Egg and Spoon Race. - 1. E. Towe ; 2. H. Everitt.
Egg and Spoon Race (for girls). - 1. E. Vallance ; 2. H. Hart
; 3. E. Booth.
There were three cheers for Miss Harrison, after which the
crowd dispersed, and numbers went to Masson to witness the
bonfire and flight of rockets. |
The Derby Mercury, Wednesday, 30 June,
1897
Matlock celebrated the Jubilee right royally,
and the arrangements were so carefully organised that everything
passed off without a single hitch. The celebration was covered
entirely out of money voted from the rates, Matlock being the
first town to claim this privilege under the Local Government
Board order of May 21st. The proceedings commenced at one o'clock,
when all the aged people over 60 had a good old English dinner
in the Assembly Rooms. This was followed by a united assembly
of the whole of the children of the parish, numbering about
1,400, on the Cricket Ground, where, accompanied by the Matlock
United Brass Band, they sang special patriotic songs, preceded
by prayer and the lessons for the day. The clergy and all the
ministers took a leading part, and the only address of the
day was delivered by Mr. E. Slack, J.P., chairman of the Urban
District Council. After the benediction the children marched
to their own schools, where they were provided with a substantial
tea. This was followed at six o'clock by sports on the Cricket
Ground, and concluded with a beacon fire on Masson and a flight
of rockets at intervals. |
Matlock Bath |
Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald,
26 June 1897
At Matlock Bath there had been a most tasteful decoration
the town. The main parades had been prettily adorned, and garlands
hung across the street. One effective motto was "The Record
Reign", with the word "Unfinished" on the reverse
side. Sheffield's motto, "60 not out", was also prominently
displayed. The Masson Mills showed a pretty illumination of
the tower of the sprinkler, which was enshrined with fairy
lamps. The sight in the evening was most brilliant, when the
illuminations were in full vogue, and Messrs. Rowland and Jaffrey
deserve the commendation of all for the success they achieved.
The commencement of the day's programme was as assembly of
the children and adults on the Jubilee Promenade at the wider
end, near the railway station. Here quite a crowd assembled
to witness the gathering of the children. These were under
the care of the teachers and superintendents of the various
schools. Among those present we noticed the Hon. C. W. Trollope,
the vicar, the Rev. C. Baker, the Rev. F. R. Bellamy, Messrs.
G. J. Rowland, J. Henstock, R. Wallace, T. Cooper, F. Land,
Councillor S. Sprinthall, etc. The programme for the day commenced
with the dinner to the aged people, which was held at 12.30.
Messrs. J. Boden and Son supplied the meal, which was held
in their restaurant, there being over 70 present. At 2.15 the
children met on the Promenade, when medals were distributed,
after which the National Anthem was sung, the Masson Mill Band
leading. A short service was then held and Jubilee hymns sung,
after which there was a procession to the Pavilion, via the
New Bath Green and Clifton Road. At 4 o'clock tea tea was provided
in the Pavilion for these children, who numbered 150, after
which sport for prizes took place. The Masson Mill Band played
selections. At 8 o'clock the Matlock Bath Military Band gave
a concert in the Kiosk on the Promenade. The programme opened
with the National Anthem, and the people present heartily joined
in the rendering of it. At 9 o'clock the walks were illuminated
with fairy lamps and Chinese and Japanese lanterns, and at
half past a number of rockets were sent up from the top of
Masson. A torchlight procession was then formed, which, starting
from the bandstand, preceded to the south end of the Walks,
and by a circuitous route back to the Jubilee Bridge. A procession
was also formed on the river of illuminated boats, after which
the walks and the rocks were simultaneously illuminated by
coloured fires lighted at a signal from a cannon.
The only speech of the day was delivered by Mr. J. G. Rowland,
the vice-chairman of the Urban District Council ... [his
speech is not included here] ... The illuminations were
the chief feature, and they stand without reproach from whatever
has been done previously, as the prettiest and most effective
ever witnessed in this locality. A number of special trains
were run, and the visitors had the pleasure of remaining
late in the evening to watch the unique spectacle. The scene
may well be described as dazzling, and with that word all
who saw the effect will agree. |
The Derby Mercury, Wednesday, 30 June, 1897
Matlock Bath lends itself admirably to festive occasions and
on Tuesday the townspeople made a special effort. Ten years
ago a grand Improvement was made by the acquisition of the
Jubilee Promenade, and the erection of a bridge over the Derwent
to the Lovers' Walks. On Wednesday the Urban District Council
of the town had the pleasure of opening the rest of the Lovers'
Walks in commemoration of this year, making a mile of free
rocks and walks, for visitors to appreciate. For another permanent
scheme there is a committee of the town appointed, which has
in hand the erection. of another bridge at the other end of
the town, and 500l. is required. For the celebrations
there was a sum voted by the Urban District Council out of
the rates, together with a sum which had been collected. With
this, the committee, of which Messrs. G. J. Rowland and W.
Jaffrey were the secretaries, arranged a good programme. This
commenced with a procession, headed by the Masson Mill Brass
Band, to the Pavilion, where the children had tea, and sports
followed. In the evening, the Military Band gave a concert
on the Promenade, and the whole concluded with a grand illumination
of the rocks and walks on the Lovers' Walks side of the Derwent. |
Matlock Town |
Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald,
3 July 1897
As many of the inhabitants of Matlock Town were unprovided
for on Jubilee day, an effort was made to include everybody
in the celebration, and early in the last week a committee
was formed consisting of the Rev. J. W. Kewley (president),
Messrs. Thos. Boden, J. Gregory, Joseph Marsden, Anthony Walton,
Wm. Robinson, Herbert Gregory, Wm. Gregory, Jas. Robinson,
E. Stanley-Aulton, and Geo. Blaymire. Mr. Chas. Adams was appointed
secretary, and Mr. Geo. Wherrett treasurer. Collectors were
chosen and about £20 realised. A ladies committee was
chosen as follows : - Miss Kewley, Mesdames Marriott, J. Gregory,
Stanley-Aulton, Marsden, W. White, G. Robinson, H. Gregory,
A. Walton, Wherrett, C. Adams, T. Bridge, Williams, Misses
Millward, Dickens, Billings and Mabel Gregory. It was decided
to provide food for everyone in the district. On Saturday afternoon
the proceedings commenced with a parade, headed by the Matlock
United Band, followed by the committee and inhabitants, to
the Church School, where the adults, numbering about 180, were
provided with an excellent meat tea. The Rev. J. W. Kewley
addressed a few appropriate words to those assembled. The children,
140 in number, were regaled with tea on the Rectory lawn. A
procession was formed, and visited the Pic Tor Rocks, the band
leading. The children were supplied with sweets, nuts, and
oranges, after which sports were indulged in. Special mention
should be made of the assistance kindly rendered by the Rector
and Mr. E. Stanley-Aulton. The former placed at the disposal
of the committee the Rectory grounds, and the latter had sole
control of the sports. The sports resulted as follows:- Throwing
cricket ball, prize given by Mr. Wherrett, James Houlgate :
climbing pole, prize of leg of lamb, given by Mr Jos. Marsden,
John Brough : sack race, prize given by Mrs. Wall, Harry Everett
: tug-of-war, prize given by Mr. Stanley-Aulton, married men
won : obstacle race, 1. J. Gratton, 2. Geo. Hargraves, 3. W.
Wherrett ; handicap, 200 yards, prize given by Mr. Cusworth,
John Buckley. |
Scarthin |
Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald,
22 May 1897
Scarthin people intend to have jubilee all to themselves.
They cannot join Cromford for parochial purposes, and Matlock
Bath too far off. The Vicar of Matlock Bath and Mr. H. H. Cubley
are at the head of a hearty movement. |
Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald,
26 June 1897
The Scarthin district held their own celebration, and held
it right royally. The decorations were profuse, and everyone
combined to make the event as memorable as possible. The proceedings
commenced at noon on Tuesday, when all the children and adults
assembled, and paraded to Scarthin Church, where an excellent
address was delivered by Mr. H. H. Cubley, of Matlock Bath.
Afterwards they paraded inn the various centres of the district,
headed by part of the Lea Mills Brass Band. There was about
£36 subscribed altogether, and this was disbursed in
an exemplary manner by a large committee, composed of about
forty of the principal residents. The procession started at
about 1 o'clock, for service, and it covered a considerable
length. They went down to Scarthin, thence to Oak Hill, and
through the Market Place. The children afterwards had tea at
four o'clock, and all the adults followed, the total being
400 of the former and 200 of the latter. They were catered
for in the room of the Cromford Brewery, which had been splendidly
decorated for the occasion. The secretary of the day was Mr.
H. H. Cubley, who was also treasurer, and took a leading part,
ably supported by the Executive and general Committees. The
order of the procession was : Infant girls, with Jubilee medals
on ; then the infant boys followed by Mr. T. Bird, and Mr.
J. Mitchell, as trustees of the lodge Court Good Samaritan
; then the band ; afterwards two Scarthin men of Oddfellows
; the Foresters ; members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade,
in uniform ; the Committee men having charge of the whole procession.
The Committee desired especially that each and every one should
be present, so as to make this the most unique festival ever
held in Scarthin, and their wishes were fully realised. The
procession sand special hymns en route. After tea there was
an adjournment to the Cricket Ground, where all had the most
enjoyable time, and the night wound up with sports, etc. The
grand finale, as it may be termed, was, however, the illumination
of Scarthin. This was even grander than that of ten years ago
when Scarthin made a stir in the locality by the original character
of its illuminations. After dark, the whole of the windows,
without exception, burst into light from behind the glass,
and Scarthin being on rising ground, had a most effective display
as viewed from the opposite side of the Via Gellia Road, where
hundreds were seen watching the illuminations. The effect was
enhanced by some 500 Chinese lanterns, which were hung in the
main thoroughfare of the district, and taken all in all, the
Scarthin commemoration will be most memorable. |
Starkholmes and Riber |
Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald,
26 June 1897
To write of what was done at the joint hamlets of Starkholmes
and Riber, is to give all the flattery to one gentleman, Mr.
John Fisher, who is about the same age of the Queen, and who
has seen many lands. It was he who initiated the celebration
and carried it to a splendid end. Dinner was provided for 240
persons, all in the locality between the ages of 16 and 60.
A tent was fixed on Mr. Fisher's ground close to his residence,
his lawn was used for dancing, and his house practically open
for the day. The roast beef was served hot and the dinner altogether
was most appetising. After it Mr. Fisher made a speech, pointing
out how well they had been supported through self help. They
had limited funds to meet the expenses, because they were a
small community. They were, he thought, about to enjoy themselves
as much as if they had been among millionaires. He went on
to sketch some of the various improvements during the long
and glorious reign. There were no lucifer matches when the
Queen ascended the throne, no railways, no telegraphs, no steamships.
In maritime improvements the strides had been marvellous. Cheap
freight had come to us. He knew the time when it cost £12
a ton to carry freight from England to China, and it took a
year to make a journey to that land. Now the voyage took three
months, and the rate of goods was £3 a ton. Tropical
produce was introduced and made it cheap for us to obtain and
within the reach of everyone. He also dealt with the discoveries
in chemistry, and the wonderful way we are protected against
disease by sanitary arrangements. At the conclusion of the
dinner the committees were thanked for their services, and
Mr. Fisher was accorded an ovation. Musical honours were also
given to him. A band had been engaged under Mr. J. Frost, and
rendered excellent service. A feature of the varied programme
was the Alpine races, the rugged hillsides lending themselves
admirably to the sport. In the evening the whole of the people
marched in procession to the bonfire on the top of Wilfer.
The pile had been constructed by Mr. Fisher's sole direction,
and there was no better engineered beacon in the land. To describe
what was done would be next to impossible, suffice it to say
the ingenuity with which it was compiled made the whole structure
alight in less than half a minute, and sent a flame many feet
in the air.. The light was applied by Miss Skinner, Miss Greenhough
and Mrs. Walker jointly, through a contrivance of Mr. Fisher's.
Not a particle of wood remained unconsumed, and when it is
said the cost was less than 10s it is well within the mark.
Mr. F. C. Arkwright and Mr. Sterndale Drabble gave a great
quantity of timber. Torchlight processions along the sky-line
of the hill lent a most dramatic and inspiring commemoration
in this village. Nowhere was the enjoyment more heartily indulged
in, the whole programme being appropriate, pleasing and inspiring. |
Derbyshire Times and Chesterfield Herald, 3 July 1897
The following account of the Starkholmes celebration has been
sent for publication:
The Diamond Jubilee dinner for the aged of Starkholmes and
took place Starkholmes schoolroom on Jubilee day at 1 o'clock.
There was a good attendance of the aged people in this district
of Matlock. Owing to infirmities many had their dinners forwarded
to their homes. Ample justice was done to the good things provided
by the caterer, Mr. Wm. Fox, White Lion Hotel, who spared nothing
to satisfy his aged neighbours on this glorious occasion. The
guests all appeared to enjoy their meeting together, and heartily
responded to the toasts proposed. The Queen was proposed by
Walter Kirkland, who gave a very lucid account of the time
of the accession of Queen Victoria and of the reforms and advances
since the coronation. "The Prince and the Princess of
Wales and the rest of the Royal Family" was proposed by
Mr. W. H. Hardy, who said he had the greatest pleasure in proposing
their healths as the most popular Royalty of any in Europe,
and as heir to the Crown the Prince was a most suitable successor
to the Queen. Under his ruling the interests of Great Britain
would not in any way suffer. With the civilising influences
of education, sciences, the efforts of ministers of religion,
and the powerful assistance of the Army and the Navy, our trade
abroad and British interests had been expanded, to the advantage
of all at home. Mr. Wm. Fox, sen., proposed "The Bishop
and Clergy, and Ministers of all Denominations", relying
on the teaching of the clergy and the teaching of the Sunday
Schools to advance the standard of morality and religion. The
Rev. I. U. Chippett [sic: Rev. J. W. Chippett], of Riber,
responded, and referred to the great and good work of the Church
in the Diocese under the Lord Bishop of Southwell, complimenting
Matlock on having such energetic and popular clergy as Mr.
Kewley, Mr. Lowe, and Mr. Adams. The Nonconformists were equally
fortunate in the choice of their respective ministers. The
gathering before parting sang "God Save the Queen". |
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