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The Duchess of Devonshire's Ball

On 2 July 1897 the Duchess of Devonshire hosted a grand fancy dress ball in honour of the Diamond Jubilee. Reynold’s Newspaper reported ‘There was never such a fancy dress ball as that given on Friday night’. Her guests, who numbered over 600, included the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of York. All wore lavish and elaborate costumes, representing historical figures and famous paintings. No costume was more grand than that of the Duchess, who was dressed as Zenobia, Queen of Palmyra. No doubt Zenobia’s reputation as a brave, warrior queen who defended her country against the Romans, appealed to the Duchess and influenced her choice of character. 

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The Jubilee procession

Hundreds of thousands came to London for the Diamond Jubilee procession on 22 June 1897, which took the Queen from Buckingham Palace to St Paul’s Cathedral for a service of thanksgiving.


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Jubilee food

Food was a major part of the Victorian Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Up and down the country people held tea, feasts, banquets and dinners. Many communities used the occasion to provide a gift to the elderly or infirm, usually tea for women and tobacco for the men. Victorian businessmen saw the Jubilee as a wonderful opportunity to promote their edible products.  

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