Golden Jubilee of Queen VictoriaPrint Page

An Oak tree commemorates Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887.

Victoria (24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she adopted the additional title of Empress of India. With a reign of 63 years, seven months and two days, Victoria was the longest -reigning British monarch and the longest-reigning queen regnant in world history until her great-great-granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II surpassed her on 9 September 2015.

Queen Victoria`s birthday, 24th May, used to be called `Empire Day`. There were special assemblies at school with songs praising the British Empire. Children were then given a half-day holiday. Up to the 1950s, Empire Day was celebrated in Australia with huge bonfires and fireworks.

Yesterday, the children were marched to Princes Square, where Mrs. Robert Carter, Mayoress, planted an oak tree which will be known in future as the "Victoria jubilee oak." The children only were allowed admittance to the square, an enclosure having been marked off. They gathered round the hole in which the tree was to be planted and the Mayoress accompanied by the Mayor and some other friends proceeded to plant the oak tree.

Taking it in her hand and placing it in its future home, Mrs. Carter said, "I plant this tree in honour of the Queen's Jubilee." The earth was then put round it by Mr. Wm. McGowan, Curator of Reserves, and the band played the National Anthem, the children singing it. Three cheers were then given for the Queen, the Mayoress, the Mayor, and the band, and the proceedings terminated.
Launceston Examiner , 23rd June 1887

 

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