Golden Jubilee 2002

1809-1821

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Celebration of the Jubilee, 1810
This book was published to commemorate the Golden Jubilee celebrations for George III. It records how the Jubilee was celebrated throughout Great Britain and Ireland. This was the first jubilee to be celebrated since the middle ages. There are various Berkshire entries in the book. Among the events in Reading, Mr Jesse of what was Castle Hill House (now Yeomanry House), provided a feast of meats, plum puddings, strong beer and punch for all his tenants.
Document reference: [BRO library]
 
 

Coronation tickets, 1821
These lavish passes for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey and the banquet at Westminster Hall were issued for the coronation of George IV on 19 July 1821. George IV’s coronation was arguably the most extravagant staged for a British monarch. Virtually everything but the crown jewels was made new for the occasion – robes, decorations, even an awning made of Russian duck to cover the procession between the Abbey and the Hall. The banquet for 300 guests included soups, meats, fish, fowl, vegetables, jellies and creams. The accounts for the coronation were presented 2 years later. It had cost £238,000 – roughly £8m at today’s prices.
Document reference: [WI/D109-110]
 
 

Poster for Coronation ox-roasting etc at Windsor, 1821
Windsor had hosted the royal family for part of the 1809 jubilee, and had erected an obelisk for George III in Bachelor’s Acre, where this feast was held.
Document reference: [WI/D162/2]