We believe this was for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Longnor went to town in 1897 celebrating the Diamond Jubilee. A committee of women spent weeks planning and collecting subscriptions. And on the day itself they had a picnic on the Lawley, a bonfire, sang two verses of ‘God Save The Queen’, and drank Her Majesty’s health in nut-brown Shropshire ale. The Shrewsbury Chronicle reported:
“Fifty bonfires in all were counted from the hill, many of them very brilliant. Brown Clee Hill being the loftiest and that on the Wrekin next. Our Welsh neighbours seemed to have lit up a little “too previous”… The materials for the fire on the Lawley were drawn together by the teams Messrs of R Dayus, Charles Everall, John Evans, O Evans and John Lee. And it took eight horses to draw only one cord of wood at a time up the steepest ascent.
[Earlier] the men and boys over 14 had dinner served to them at 2pm in a tent on the Park near the church.. a short thanksgiving was held, the church choir rendering the special hymns for the occasion in the presence of a large congregation. At 3.30pm the women and children partook of a substantial tea served in the schoolroom and tent…
The children had appropriate Jubilee mugs and medals given to them. Dancing commenced in the Park soon after 4, and continued until after the shades of night had fallen. Races for boys and girls, men and women, tug of war, etc were held all through the evening.
Everything passed off most successfully, and everybody enjoyed themselves, the committee being congratulated on all sides on their skilful catering and praiseworthy management.
Longnor Entertainment in the 1800s
A concert and exhibition of waxworks took place in the schoolroom for two evenings, the proceeds going to the village library and church. Music provided by the church choir and others. Afterwards Mrs Jarley exhibited her waxworks in five tableaux depicting fables, history and tales, characters portrayed by her friends and the children.
23 Jan 1891
Annual Ball in the Schoolroom held by the tenants on Col. Corbett’s estate. 70 attended. The Colonel appeared at 10pm to vociferous cheers and stayed until 12-30. The company maintained spirited dancing until 5-30am.
14 Jan 1882
A concert and entertainment held in the schoolroom. Part 1 – Music, piano, violoncello and two violins; Part 2 – Violin, piano solo, songs and readings; Part 3 – A comic drama. All was very well rendered and much applauded by an enthusiastic audience… and despite the dark and foggy night there was good attendance.
20 Jan 1888
Longnor Village History 