On September 23, 1896, the queen surpassed King George III as Britain’s longest-reigning monarch, but she requested that celebrations of the milestone be delayed until June 1897, the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne. Colonial Secretary Joseph Chamberlain proposed that the Diamond Jubilee double as a “Festival of the British Empire” to celebrate Britain’s true crown jewels—its colonies.
Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee began solemnly with a family Thanksgiving service at Windsor Castle on Sunday, June 20, 1897, the 60th anniversary of her inheritance of the throne, and the celebrations lasted a fortnight and included a garden party at Buckingham Palace and a state banquet. Memorial fountains and towers were erected to mark the occasion, including the Jubilee Tower and the Cunningham Clock Tower.
The Stamford Mercury of 2nd July 1897 newspaper article gives an insight how the people of Woodnewton celebrated the special occasion.
2021
What may be called the festal day of the present generation commenced with the assembling of the school children (80) at 12 o’clock, when after a brief address by the Vicar each child was presented by Mrs Bagshaw with a medallion of the Queen. After singing the National Anthem, they were dismissed to re-assemble at the Manor House barn, lent by Mr H Lotan (who also gave a handsome subscription) for tea. The men (94) had a substantial dinnner, towards which they themselves gave 1s. each. The Vicar, who presided, nade a few remarks upon the chief events and inventions of the Queen’s reign, and called for three cheers for her Majesty, which were heartily given. The women had a knife-and-fork tea. After sports and games a move was made to the Sand Hills, where a bonfire was lit at 10pm., a signal being given from the tower of the church – by the firing of three sky rockets – by the Vicar and others. The committee, under Mr T Wells, deserve great praise; the ladies’ committee also. The Earl of Westmorland gave the school children of Apethorpe and Woodnewton their tea.