What it’s all about
“A never to be forgotten day . passing through those 6 miles of streets, the crowds were quite indescribable and their enthusiasm truly marvellous and deeply touching. The cheering was quite deafening, and every face seemed to be filled with real joy.”
This description of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee procession is among the memories of the young queen herself in her personal diary, writes Victoria Grace Walden.
Her diaries reveal more details of the pomp and splendour, but also allude briefly to Queen Victoria’s use of what must, at the time, have been cutting-edge technology.
“Before leaving I touched an electric button, by which I started a message which was telegraphed throughout the whole Empire,” she wrote. “It was the following: `From my heart I thank my beloved people, may God bless them.’ At this time the sun burst out.”
This and many more entries from the private diaries of Britain’s longest- serving monarch can now be explored on a new website from the Royal Archives. They give touching glimpses of a young Victoria, so in love with her prince, but always aware of her constitutional responsibilities.
The site includes footage of Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee procession - fantastic material for an essay-writing exercise.
www.queen-victorias-scrapbook.org
What else?
Help pupils identify techniques of diary writing with a PowerPoint from Tynybanwen. Pupils can write a diary about this year’s Diamond Jubilee through the eyes of the Queen in The Big Lunch’s lesson. And check out First News’ Jubilee resources.
