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A History of British Royal Jubilees
As Queen Elizabeth II became the only British Monarch to rule for seventy years, she marked the historic moment with a simple message, promising to continue her lifetime of service. But while her Jubilee day was quiet, it was merely the start of a year long celebration that would see millions around the world join the royal party.
Jubilees have become regular events in The Queen’s long reign but they are a relatively modern idea which only really took hold in the reign of King George III. Initially rejected by many as a frivolity, the first royal Jubilee became a huge success. It was a beguiling mix of pageantry, religious devotion and popular celebrations including street parties that has been copied in the Jubilees that followed.
Queen Victoria enjoyed two successful celebrations, including Britain's first Diamond Jubilee, which helped re-establish her popularity and consolidate the Monarchy. King George V turned to the joy of a Jubilee to re-invigorate his country as it recovered from war and economic woes. In the reign of his granddaughter, Elizabeth II, Jubilees have been transformed into modern media events celebrated globally.
In A History of British Royal Jubilees , we trace the ever evolving story of these popular celebrations, bringing each of them to life and looking at how they changed the image of royalty and the country itself. This is the story of how Jubilee celebrations have become vital to the success of Britain’s Royal Family and to its place at the heart of a nation.
Jubilees have become regular events in The Queen’s long reign but they are a relatively modern idea which only really took hold in the reign of King George III. Initially rejected by many as a frivolity, the first royal Jubilee became a huge success. It was a beguiling mix of pageantry, religious devotion and popular celebrations including street parties that has been copied in the Jubilees that followed.
Queen Victoria enjoyed two successful celebrations, including Britain's first Diamond Jubilee, which helped re-establish her popularity and consolidate the Monarchy. King George V turned to the joy of a Jubilee to re-invigorate his country as it recovered from war and economic woes. In the reign of his granddaughter, Elizabeth II, Jubilees have been transformed into modern media events celebrated globally.
In A History of British Royal Jubilees , we trace the ever evolving story of these popular celebrations, bringing each of them to life and looking at how they changed the image of royalty and the country itself. This is the story of how Jubilee celebrations have become vital to the success of Britain’s Royal Family and to its place at the heart of a nation.
224 pages, Paperback
Published June 30, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 21, 2022
As the title suggests, this new book focusses on Royal Jubilees – from King George III’s celebrations, through those of Queen Victoria, King George V and of course Queen Elizabeth II we look at how and why these anniversaries have been celebrated.
From the biblical origins of jubilees, the book focusses on each major royal jubilee that has been celebrated, highlighting the preparations, the people involved, the tangible mementos (from statues to souvenirs) and of course the costs of staging such celebrations. There is also a glimpse of how the ordinary people marked such occasions & a focus on how the jubilees became, and remain, a connection between the monarch and their people.
The empire/commonwealth countries who share the British head of state are also included and the book doesn’t shy away from including some controversial moments. It is right up to date, including details of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
There are some moments of repetition and the writing style is quite simplistic, but overall, this is a nice “coffee-table” style book that captures some significant moments in history.
It is quite poignant to think that we have now likely witnessed the last Royal Jubilee for an era. It is unlikely that H Queen Elizabeth II will live to celebrate the 80th anniversary (Oak) of reign in 2032, and her heir Charles is already 73 years old so unlikely to reach his Silver Jubilee. We may see the silver jubilee of King William V in the future, but it is unlikely we will ever see a monarch reach a platinum jubilee again!
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.
From the biblical origins of jubilees, the book focusses on each major royal jubilee that has been celebrated, highlighting the preparations, the people involved, the tangible mementos (from statues to souvenirs) and of course the costs of staging such celebrations. There is also a glimpse of how the ordinary people marked such occasions & a focus on how the jubilees became, and remain, a connection between the monarch and their people.
The empire/commonwealth countries who share the British head of state are also included and the book doesn’t shy away from including some controversial moments. It is right up to date, including details of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.
There are some moments of repetition and the writing style is quite simplistic, but overall, this is a nice “coffee-table” style book that captures some significant moments in history.
It is quite poignant to think that we have now likely witnessed the last Royal Jubilee for an era. It is unlikely that H Queen Elizabeth II will live to celebrate the 80th anniversary (Oak) of reign in 2032, and her heir Charles is already 73 years old so unlikely to reach his Silver Jubilee. We may see the silver jubilee of King William V in the future, but it is unlikely we will ever see a monarch reach a platinum jubilee again!
Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free via NetGalley. Whilst thanks go to the author & publisher for the opportunity to read it, all opinions are my own & my review is left voluntarily.
June 30, 2022
✨ 5 out of 5 stars ✨
As a citizen of a Commonwealth country, this year was special because of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. I have always enjoyed reading about the British Royal family and the history of the British Monarchy, but I had forgotten how much I enjoyed reading about it, until this year with the 70th Platinum Jubilee. So, when I saw that there was a book literally called "A History of British Royal Jubilees", I was absolutely thrilled.
Woolerton first gives us an in-depth but concise analysis of the origins of Royal "Jubilees" and how they made their way over to England. After reading that first chapter, even if you weren't familiar with jubilees/big royal celebrations, you will have a clear understanding moving forward in the book. What I really appreciated was the Monarch that Woolerton chose to be our "starting point". Basically, Woolerton doesn't give us unnecessary details with early British Monarchs; instead, Woolerton gives us Queen Victoria as our initial Monarch of analysis, which was helpful because I don't have much knowledge on the Monarchs previous to her, so I wasn't bored with any of the details.
This book does an excellent job at including intimate details on what the Jubilee meant not only in relation to the serving Monarch, but to the citizens/countries who were/are members of the Commonwealth. I think my favourite one to learn about was King George V:
"At the close of this memorable day, I must speak to my people everywhere. Yet, how can I express what is in my heart?" (Woolerton re. King George V, page 74).
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in British history and British Royalty!
✨ Thank you so much to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own. ✨
As a citizen of a Commonwealth country, this year was special because of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. I have always enjoyed reading about the British Royal family and the history of the British Monarchy, but I had forgotten how much I enjoyed reading about it, until this year with the 70th Platinum Jubilee. So, when I saw that there was a book literally called "A History of British Royal Jubilees", I was absolutely thrilled.
Woolerton first gives us an in-depth but concise analysis of the origins of Royal "Jubilees" and how they made their way over to England. After reading that first chapter, even if you weren't familiar with jubilees/big royal celebrations, you will have a clear understanding moving forward in the book. What I really appreciated was the Monarch that Woolerton chose to be our "starting point". Basically, Woolerton doesn't give us unnecessary details with early British Monarchs; instead, Woolerton gives us Queen Victoria as our initial Monarch of analysis, which was helpful because I don't have much knowledge on the Monarchs previous to her, so I wasn't bored with any of the details.
This book does an excellent job at including intimate details on what the Jubilee meant not only in relation to the serving Monarch, but to the citizens/countries who were/are members of the Commonwealth. I think my favourite one to learn about was King George V:
"At the close of this memorable day, I must speak to my people everywhere. Yet, how can I express what is in my heart?" (Woolerton re. King George V, page 74).
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in British history and British Royalty!
✨ Thank you so much to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for this ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own. ✨
July 27, 2022
A History of British Royal Jubilees is a new book focusing on the anniversaries of King George III, Queen Victoria, King George V and Queen Elizabeth II. A book that fits nicely with the platinum jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, which was celebrated extensively last June (2022).
However, the book begins with the origins of the jubilees. It turns out that was already mentioned in the Bible. However, the focus of the book is on the anniversaries of the aforementioned crowned heads. These jubilees are highlighted for each jubilee and king or queen. Step by step we see what preparations are being made, the costs involved, the making and origin of the ideas and of course not forgetting the involvement of King George III, Queen Victoria , King George V, and Queen Elizabeth II.
Of course, the book mainly revolves around the royals, but we also get a look at how the citizens celebrated it. In addition, it is well explained what the importance of all these jubilees is: namely the contact between the Monarch and his or her people. The author’s description and extensive research give us a good idea of how popular King George III, Queen Victoria, King George V, and Queen Elizabeth II were or are. An anniversary is then the ultimate indicator.
The book gives a nice look behind the scenes of what goes on in the celebration of an anniversary, both with the Monarch and with the population. The book has a good educational content, at times also humorous. A book that is definitely recommended, especially if you’ve got a taste for it after celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.
A nice piece of history and certainly for the royal fans also nice memories of the various anniversaries of Queen Elizabeth II.
However, the book begins with the origins of the jubilees. It turns out that was already mentioned in the Bible. However, the focus of the book is on the anniversaries of the aforementioned crowned heads. These jubilees are highlighted for each jubilee and king or queen. Step by step we see what preparations are being made, the costs involved, the making and origin of the ideas and of course not forgetting the involvement of King George III, Queen Victoria , King George V, and Queen Elizabeth II.
Of course, the book mainly revolves around the royals, but we also get a look at how the citizens celebrated it. In addition, it is well explained what the importance of all these jubilees is: namely the contact between the Monarch and his or her people. The author’s description and extensive research give us a good idea of how popular King George III, Queen Victoria, King George V, and Queen Elizabeth II were or are. An anniversary is then the ultimate indicator.
The book gives a nice look behind the scenes of what goes on in the celebration of an anniversary, both with the Monarch and with the population. The book has a good educational content, at times also humorous. A book that is definitely recommended, especially if you’ve got a taste for it after celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.
A nice piece of history and certainly for the royal fans also nice memories of the various anniversaries of Queen Elizabeth II.
June 19, 2022
A History of British Royal Jubilees is a wonderful written history for lovers of the Royal Family. After having just watched Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee, I was excited to read about the prior Jubilees held for the past monarchs. This book shows how beloved the celebrated monarchs were and are to the people of the Commonwealth with the many celebrations held in their honor. I was especially pleased to read this book included this year's Platinum Jubilee. There were many details that I had not seen or read about, so it was extra special to see them included.
This is a special book of memories full of love for the monarchs whose duty it is to serve the people.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
This is a special book of memories full of love for the monarchs whose duty it is to serve the people.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for an unbiased review.
June 13, 2022
This is an in-depth history of the Jubilee celebrations of the British monarchy, including the most recent Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II. The author includes often overlooked details of past celebrations. If you are as fascinated by the Royal Family as I am, you will enjoy this book.
July 7, 2022
Very interesting book, for all types of people those who are royalist to those who can take it oe leave it
It's historical well written
It's historical well written
August 11, 2022
It’s probably not a surprise that’s there a book about the history of royal jubilees has been published during the year of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. What is a surprise is that A History of British Royal Jubilees is the first in-depth look at the concept of royal jubilees. Queen Elizabeth has experienced four of them after all.
Although the book appears to start in 1887 and Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, the origins of the celebration go back to 1809. One woman, sensing a fading appreciation for the monarchy – especially after the American Revolution – proposed a celebration for George III’s 50 years of rule. Author Jane Woolerton looks at how the idea took hold, what concepts were taken from the Biblical meaning of the word “Jubilee,” and how the day was ultimately celebrated with only one brief appearance by the ailing monarch. From there, she looks at the celebrations for Queen Victoria’s two Jubilees and the four for Queen Elizabeth, and how the concept has changed in some ways but stayed very much the same in others. She suggests that Jubilee celebrations have often coincided with a downturn in the royal family’s popularity, and remarks upon how the festivities can change popular opinion for the better.
Given the release date of this title in the United Kingdom, I was surprised to see just how much had been written about the Platinum Jubilee. While some events took place earlier in the year, or had been announced in 2021, I felt that it was still maybe a little too early to analyze the celebration overall. Will goodwill toward the monarchy last for the rest of the year? The 2012 events included the Summer Olympics held in London. This year, events after June included the Women’s European Football Championships (which England won) and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. There have also been some not good events such as members of government resigning.
Overall, I found A History of British Royal Jubilees to be informative, entertaining, and straightforward to read. My electronic copy of the book didn’t include any illustrations or photographs, which was disappointing. According to the publisher’s website, however, there are 32 mono illustrations which hopefully accentuate some of the portraits, monuments, and merchandise described in the book.
Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions above are my own.
Although the book appears to start in 1887 and Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, the origins of the celebration go back to 1809. One woman, sensing a fading appreciation for the monarchy – especially after the American Revolution – proposed a celebration for George III’s 50 years of rule. Author Jane Woolerton looks at how the idea took hold, what concepts were taken from the Biblical meaning of the word “Jubilee,” and how the day was ultimately celebrated with only one brief appearance by the ailing monarch. From there, she looks at the celebrations for Queen Victoria’s two Jubilees and the four for Queen Elizabeth, and how the concept has changed in some ways but stayed very much the same in others. She suggests that Jubilee celebrations have often coincided with a downturn in the royal family’s popularity, and remarks upon how the festivities can change popular opinion for the better.
Given the release date of this title in the United Kingdom, I was surprised to see just how much had been written about the Platinum Jubilee. While some events took place earlier in the year, or had been announced in 2021, I felt that it was still maybe a little too early to analyze the celebration overall. Will goodwill toward the monarchy last for the rest of the year? The 2012 events included the Summer Olympics held in London. This year, events after June included the Women’s European Football Championships (which England won) and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. There have also been some not good events such as members of government resigning.
Overall, I found A History of British Royal Jubilees to be informative, entertaining, and straightforward to read. My electronic copy of the book didn’t include any illustrations or photographs, which was disappointing. According to the publisher’s website, however, there are 32 mono illustrations which hopefully accentuate some of the portraits, monuments, and merchandise described in the book.
Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions above are my own.
June 21, 2022
Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebration has recently concluded, and it is the 2nd of her jubilees that I have viewed. That is why this book, "A History of British Jubilees", is so timely. It gives a detailed history of jubilee celebrations in Britain starting with the reign of King George III and continuing on to the current monarch. Woolerton provides not just the details of the royal jubilees, but also the history behind the concept of a jubilee, which I never knew even with all the reading I've done. There is also information on how the citizens of the realm celebrate, and the importance of using the jubilees to show the royal family as being in touch with the people. It's a very informative, sometimes humorous, book and gives insight into all the behind the scenes work that goes into celebrating the monarch. A wonderful books for fans of all things royal!
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for this advanced copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword for this advanced copy, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews