Proposed public room, 1887

1887 was Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, and this proposal was a way of celebrating it (scroll down or click here for what actually happened). The Assembly Rooms where the first meeting was held were at The Bell, and the site offered by T.P. Willis became 61-63 High Street. Like many such ideas in Winslow it came to nothing (at least partly because of Anglican v Nonconformist friction), and it took until 1945 for Winslow to get a Public Hall owned by the whole community.

Buckingham Advertiser, 22 Jan 1887

Winslow and the Queen’s Jubilee.
PROPOSED PUBLIC ROOM.

A meeting was held at the Assembly Rooms on Monday evening last, to take into consideration the most desirable and acceptable way of commemorating the Jubilee and of showing loyalty to and appreciation of Her Majesty’s benign and eventful reign by erecting in Winslow a suitable memorial for the benefit of the town. There was a most representative attendance, including Mr. Willis, Mr. Wigley, Mr. Monk, Mr. James King, Mr. R. W. Jones, Mr. S. Jones, Mr. Creasy, Mr. Neal, Mr. Warne, Mr. C. Colgrove, Mr. W. H. French, Mr. Parrett, Mr. F. Loffler, Mr. George, Rev. T. Gwilliams, &c., &c.

William Selby-Lowndes, Esq., had been announced to take the chair, but it was stated by Mr. Wigley that he was unfortunately suffering from a cold and sore throat, so Mr. H. Monk was selected. Mr. Monk, after reading the letter from Mr. Lowndes, expressing regret at inability to attend, said they would all agree with him that he was called to the post at very short notice. Still, as a Winslow man he would do the best he could. He thought their motive was to do something in honour of the jubilee of Her Majesty the Queen. Whatever they did should be independent of sect or party. He would not say what it should be, but leave that to their choice. Somebody had said the great thing would be to get money to build a public room for all parties, and this would be very useful, but he would leave the matter with them, and should be very happy to hear any gentleman’s views.

Mr. S. Jones, as one of the gentlemen who waited on Mr. Lowndes to ask him to take the chair, said for one thing they must be thoroughly unsectarian, or they had better do nothing at all; but if they could agree to come to some fair and reasonable proposition, they would be able to carry out something for the benefit of the town (cheers). If any gentleman would propose something really rational and common sense that would be for the general advantage of the town. It would not matter whether it was a public room or what it was, so long as they were agreed.

Mr. Geo. Wigley, after referring to Mr. Lowndes wish to do anything for the comfort of the inhabitants of Winslow, although dreadfully afraid of anything that would cause strife, said that as for any difference of opinion on the subject, it never entered into his mind. He thought that as in nearly every village and town in the kingdom there would be a memorial in honour of the Jubilee, Winslow should not be behind. After saying that he quite agreed with Mr. Jones’ views, Mr. Wigley said he believed he was justified in saying that there was a gentleman amongst them who, although not born in the town, had resided there most of his days, and who always had the interest of Winslow at heart. He believed that if a fair and genuine effort was made to build a public room, this gentleman would do his best to give them an eligible site, and give something towards building it too (loud cheers). His name began with a W, and he was not an auctioneer but a lawyer (renewed cheers). [= T.P. Willis] He had ventured thus far because time was on the wing, and he did not want them to be sitting there like a lot of dummies.

Mr. T. P. Willis said that the discussion as to a memorial arose at a meeting of the Society for prosecuting felons, when it was thought something ought to be done, so a few of those present waited on Mr. Lowndes and asked him to take the chair. With regard to what Mr. Wigley had said, there was the site of the old Gas Works, and he would give a portion of it freely for a public room, and a donation or subscription towards the expense of it, although he was not going to tell them what sum now (cheers). There was the site and the room was very much needed. He had nothing to say against Mr. Neal’s assembly room, it was a very good room, but not large enough for Winslow.

Mr. S. Jones said he was not aware when he came into the room that such a noble offer would be made. Mr. Willis had chaffed him many a time that he had promised £50 for a public room, and that it was still in print. Well, he knew all about that, but it was before these times of agricultural depression. Mr. Jones went on to speak about the necessity of better school buildings, remarking that if they could kill two birds with one stone, so much the better. Go through any of the villages round about, and you would see that they had good school buildings; but our Boys’ School was certainly no credit to us. It was a shame to work the willing horse, but would their friend do something to help in this matter, for it must come some time. He would give £20 towards it, and that was all he could afford.

Mr. Neal supported Mr. Jones’ proposition, and referred to the danger of children being run over by passing traps.

The Chairman said he quite agreed with Mr. Jones and Mr. Neal, let them build a good school, and a good public room over, and it would be a credit to Winslow.

Mr. Wigley said he was sorry not to fall in with Mr. Neal and Mr. Jones. But they must not attempt too much. The day would come when they would have to group the schools, and make one noble building, and they would regret it if they now built a Boys’ School solely.

Mr. Willis said there was a great deal in what had been said about the schools, and nothing would have pleased him better than to give the ground, but the Education Department would make them group these schools some day, it would have to come shortly, and he was not at all certain that the Department would let them have part for a public room.

Mr. Warne said they would not.

Mr. George quite agreed that the school was not the best thing, because the expense of that could be spread over a number of years, say 20, but he thought whatever was done should be something that could be done at once. The Queen’s Jubilee ought to be a lasting memorial, and no debt should be left on it after the jubilee year. He thought nothing was more needed in Winslow than a recreation ground.

Mr. Hillyer asked if Mr. Willis would sell them the field known as the Flower Show Ground. It would be as a recreation ground, and if at any time the school was rebuilt, it could come right up to the ground and they would have school playground and recreation ground in one. Would Mr. Willis sell that and give them a donation?

Mr. Willis, in reply, said the property belonged to his late uncle, who left it to Mrs. Willis, and if an offer was made, he did not think she would part with it.

Mr. Wigley said he thought they could erect a room to hold 400 people, and if the sides and back were hidden, they could put a good substantial front that would be a credit to Winslow, quite for £500. He had good reason to think so because he had worked the matter out. A recreation ground would be very good, but it was largely a question of £. s. d., and one would cost more than the other.

Mr. Hathaway thought they must study £. s. d. very much. A recreation ground was very much required, but as suitable ground was very scarce, and Mr. Willis had promised to give them the site for a room, they could not do better than accept his offer.

Mr. Robert Williatt Jones said he was very happy to support Mr. Hathaway’s proposition. If they had a population of 10,000, they might go in for a recreation ground, but their population was not 2,000. A public room had long been required but the question had been where to get a site. He himself had been round trying to get a site at one time, but could not for love nor money.

Mr. S. Jones said it was a shame not to have a place where the boys and girls could play in, but this ought to be 7 or 8 acres of land. He knew Mr. Willis had lately given £300 an acre, and was it likely that he would sell for less than he gave, or could they ask him and Mrs. Willis to spoil their property? He called it a very noble offer – the site for a public room.

Mr. George said they were not obliged to have 7 or 8 acres, 5 acres would make a nice little recreation ground. He knew, though perhaps it was not for him to mention it, of a piece that could be obtained for about £150 an acre. Even four acres would be better than nothing.

Mr. W. H. French said he had not come to the meeting prepared to support the idea of a public room, that being a matter for the well-to-do classes. But it had been well remarked that the wishes of the majority of the inhabitants should be acceded to in their ultimate decision. The poor were in the majority, and the Queen’s Jubilee Memorial should be such as would benefit the poor (applause). If it took the form of a public room, the property should be vested in the permanent keeping of a Board of ratepayers elected by the free vote of the householders of Winslow (cheers). Mr. Willis’ liberal offer of a site for a pubic room had put the entire matter in a new light, and, without losing sight of the interest of the poor in the celebration, he wished to move a resolution of thanks to Mr. Willis for his proposed gift. The public room he (the speaker) would advise to be of only one storey in height, spacious and lofty. He moved – “That Mr. Willis’ generous offer of a site for a public building has the hearty thanks of this meeting, and that it be taken into further consideration upon this day fortnight (January 31), at the same time and place as the present meeting.”

Mr. Hathaway said they might make the room into a library or Mechanics’ Institute, and thus benefit the poor, and it if was only one storey high the expenses need not be so great, while the building would be equally as substantial.

Mr. Willis said that was a question of £. s. d. and bricks and mortar. Winslow was not a rich place and people had been very hard pressed lately. He was glad there were so many present to ventilate the question.

Mr. Warne remarked that a great deal had been said about the commemoration of the jubilee, but nothing at all about the celebration. One of the speakers had spoken about roasting an ox on the Market Square, and something had been said about the poor. He should be very sorry if nothing was to be done for the benefit of the poor and the young folks, so that in future days they should have something by which to remember the celebration (cheers).

The Chairman said he quite agreed with respect to a jollification for the poor at Winslow, and he thought that every poor woman, girl, and boy should have something to remember it by. There were plenty of good men about, and they might make sure they would be bled.

Mr. Thomas Saving briefly supported Mr. French’s resolution, which was carried nem. dis., and the meeting terminated with an expression of thanks to the Chairman.

Silvanus Jones commemorated the meeting in a poem published in the local press:

“D w e l l i n U n i t y .”
Tune – The Bailiff’s Daughter.

In Winslow town on Monday night
A band of Brothers met,
They one and all did there unite
An example good to set.

Though cold without the winter’s blast,
Warm hearts did reign within,
We met to bury the dead old past,
And a good new work begin.

A princely offering first was made
When W----- led the van,
The Captain fired the whole brigade
As he brought out his gallant plan.

The gift of speech was sanctified
By noble high endeavour,
With zeal their very best they tried
To emulate each other.

As thought by thought came welling up,
Warmed by the cheers that rang,
Amid this overflowing cup
Our jubilee began.

While one did to his fellow shew
What thought was in his mind,
The quick response : it was not slow
Some good in that to find.

Nor jarring note, nor grating sound,
Could fine acceptance there,
Each helper in this work was found
Supporting well the chair.

It showed quite clear in every plan,
That what was said was meant
For each to help his brother man,
With kind and good intent.

Blest is the man that Warne-ing gave
He ne’er shall be forgot,
Considering well the poor to save
And soothe their humble lot;
So well he did my thoughts rehearse,
I’ll give to him a six-line verse.

The ground! the ground! this jubilee ground
We’ll sow with precious seed,
May all be faithful found,
And blessed be the deed.

Winslow shall then “be Winslow still,”
As ‘twas in days of yore,
And works of love her bosom fill,
With a gracious boundless store.

F I N A L E –
Kind friends that miss’d the former sight,
We humbly would remind
At 7 p.m. this month’s last night,
The lost they there may find.

SILVANUS JONES

Winslow, January 18th, 1887.

Buckingham Advertiser, 5 Feb 1887 (summarised text in italics, ... = omissions, otherwise fully transcribed)

THE PROPOSED PUBLIC ROOM.

A meeting to further consider the project of erecting a Public Room as a Jubilee memorial was held at the Bell Assembly Room, on Monday evening, January 31st, when there was a large attendance. On the proposition of Mr. Saving, seconded by Mr. Wigley, Mr. H. Monk was appointed Chairman.

The Chairman said he would rather have seen a man with a larger purse in the chair. They could not do without a certain amount of money, and he should have liked to see someone able to do more than himself for it. But however they could talk the matter over in a friendly way, and he would call upon any gentleman to name or express his wish or desire on the subject.

Mr. Silvanus Jones said they were met that evening to see if they could come to some definite arrangement as to the best way of commemorating the Jubilee of their most gracious Queen. He trusted they should all be induced to try and meet each other in a kind and manly way, worthy of the great occasion they intended to celebrate. If after they had given due attention to any plan proposed, they should decide to have a public hall, he would venture to make a few remarks on the matter. It seemed to his mind in carrying out this project it would be well if possible to confine the tenders for building the place to the tradesmen of the town, and if more than two tenders were sent in, to take into consideration whether, if agreeable to the two parties tendering that the two nearest in amount might join, if they were so minded, to do the work conjointly. The next thought, which was the most important – the funds for carrying out their wishes. Now let them ask one and all to take into account the event they were desirous of celebrating. There never was in history anything at all comparable to such an event. The Jubilee of a queen’s reign was one unknown before, but when they thought of the vast and varied interests involved in an empire of 300 millions of people, the thought itself was of an overpowering nature. This certainly should move one and all to do their very best and to make this matter their own concern, so much so that all classes and conditions, young and old, should point to this work with admiration as part of their own. No child in the town of an age to comprehend its meaning, but should be represented in that building, those that could bring a penny should have a brick, those that could only bring a half-penny should have half a brick, and the tiny hand that brought even a farthing should see the mason with his trowel cut the childs bit to put in some little nook of the building. If they all united to do their best they should succeed to their heart’s content. There was one matter which it would be well to revert to – the general holiday on the 20th of June. Suffice it to say that provision would be made later on, so that it should be a day of general rejoicing (cheers.) One thing more – would the gentleman signing himself “Parishioner” in last week’s “Advertiser,” proposing to mend their dirty roads come forward and state his case?

Mr. Geo. Wigley addressed the meeting, suggesting that the scheme needed the approval of a large number of people rather than just those who would be in a position to fund it and bring it to fruition. He then commented on the different schemes proposed : the generous offer by Mr. Willis of a site for a public room; the cottage hospital, new schools, and a recreation ground which would need to be close to the centre of the town (this would probably prove too costly); and the suggestion in the Buckingham Advertiser of paving the streets.

The Chairman said one thing they could promise, that if they did not build a room, there should be a jolly good dinner, so that in Winslow the poor should have something to remember the Jubilee by. The best plan would be to get a committee of nine or ten gentlemen to try and get the money for the room.

Mr. Thomas Saving hoped they would agree to erect a hall, in which the inhabitants of Winslow could carry out any meeting that came before them (cheers).

Mr. W. H. French also spoke at some length in approval of the idea of a public room. He suggested that they should erect a sufficiently large public hall, and then let it to the School Committee at a fair rent, which rent should be applied year after year for the benefit of the poor of Winslow (cheers).

Mr. James Sear then rose, and remarked on the necessity of technical education to enable them to keep pace with other pushing countries, instancing how he was struck with the skill shown by the Canadians at the recent Colonial Exhibition. He also related how years ago he and a colleague in the Sunday school made an effort to raise money with the object of providing a reading-room in connection with the school, but could get no support. Years after Mr. Preston started one, and that failed because it was under one-man management.

Mr. S. Jones said they ought not to be frightened because certain parties were not present. There were plenty of gentlemen in good position who would be ready to help them as soon as the question was settled. He had promised £20, and he would increase it to £25, or a little more if required. He had also been promised good subscriptions by gentlemen in the town (cheers).

Mr. T. P. Willis commented that he would support any scheme for the benefit of the town, and would give a liberal subscription to it (cheers). ….. One thing they must hold on to, and that was a holiday for the poor of Winslow on the 20th June, whether anything else was done or not (cheers).

Mr. F. Benbow said there were only four of them started the Centenary Hall – Mr. Fulham, Mr. George, Mr. Tite, and himself. They did not expect Mr. Lowndes would let them have a site, but he sold them one for £42. Now, Mr. Willis was going to give the site and yet they were afraid to build the room.

Mr. Geo. Wigley said the conclusion he came to was not to lose the opportunity of building a good room for the benefit of the town of Winslow. Those not present today might come to the conclusion that it would be ungracious …especially when they should consider that this same gentleman together with his deeply revered uncle, presented the munificent sum of £500 to the redecoration of the Parish Church, and afterwards still further showed their public spirit by giving £250 to the new chimes and clock. They had taken up the matter he believed in a right spirit …. Mr. Wigley then suggested that if they decided that a public room should be erected, they should proceed to elect a representative financial committee to wait upon the householders of the parish and solicit their aid (applause). He would move the election of a committee to carry out the scheme consisting of Messrs. Monk, S. Jones, A. G. Stevens, W. Neal, W. S. Neal, R. W. Jones, Geo. George, W. Warne, J. Hathaway, with power to add to their number.

The resolution was put to the meeting, and carried with enthusiasm.

Mr. W. H. French suggested that the representative committee should include poor men as well as rich, who should canvass their own class for half-crowns and shillings. He was not proposing a room that should pay a dividend every year, but give all the rest to the poor. Suppose he gave £10, and then received a dividend, it was not a gift but a jolly good investment. He was in favour of something better than a mere blow out for them – something that would do them good afterwards.

Mr. G. George said he was sorry indeed not to have been there before, as he was the one who had suggested the recreation ground at the last meeting. The offer they had heard so liberally made and supported was not by any means to be winked at and he should like to see it carried, as well as the scheme he thought so good. Mr. Wigley had kindly let them have a field to play at cricket (and he should not like to let them have one at the rent Mr. Wigley did, because it got knocked about so,) and he should have liked them to see the anxious looks of the young men and boys who wanted to go into the field. He would give £10 at any time towards a recreation ground in Winslow. (A voice : “I’ll give £5, and cheers). There was one thing, people would know what the value of land was in Winslow now, and not believe when told it was of no value. He should have been very pleased to see a ground where men’s wives and children could go in and enjoy themselves as long as they liked.

A rather animated discussion followed. Mr. Jones quite agreed with the desirabability [sic] of a recreation ground, but could not see a place for it, and thought that men, women, and children, young men and their sweethearts would like the room quite as well – they would not want to go to the recreation ground unless there was some fun going on.

Mr. Willis said, as a purchaser of land at Winslow, he thought the person who bought it had a perfect right to keep it. It was not right that men like Mr. Lowndes and others should be told that they should give their little closes. He might say that neither he nor his wife felt disposed to give a field for a recreation ground, and so he would tell them at once, and clear the matter up. There was plenty of bad land in the county, and it was a hard struggle to make it produce anything, but it was not land like their grass lands and close to the town.

Mr. Geo. Wigley said with regard to land, he could offer them some at £30 an acre, but it would not be suitable for a recreation ground. He supposed that they would not want less than six acres, and they would not get some suitable land at less than £150 an acre; that would be £900, without reckoning expenses. The adjoining land to that spoken of by Mr. George realised £440 an acre last year. There were those standing in the room who smarted under the price.

Mr. W H. French also spoke, remarking that they had the sanction and support of the Lord of the Manor and tracing back the connection of the Lowndes’ family with Winslow.

The Chairman asked if any gentleman seconded Mr. George’s resolution, stating that he did not wish it put to the meeting.

This terminated the business and the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the Chairman.

Buckingham Advertiser, 12 March 1887

W I N S L O W
JUBILEE YEAR.- THE PROPOSED PUBLIC ROOM.–

The following address has been circulated in this town: - To the Inhabitants of Winslow: - Fellow Townsmen, - The desire to commemorate one of the most remarkable and happy events of the present century, the Jubilee of our Sovereign, is finding practical demonstration in almost every city, town, and village, of this great country, and as [sic] evoked the same spirit of loyalty and enthusiasm in the little town of Winslow.

However clumsily ? and forgetful of conventionalities ? the preparatory efforts to substantially celebrate the event in Winslow, were brought about, it was conceived in a perfectly right-minded and generous spirit.

After holding two largely attended and enthusiastic meetings, of which the Press gave copious accounts, and after a partial canvass of the town for subscriptions, during which £325 was promised, - the Committee think it only due to themselves, as well as to those who generously promised the aid, to publish a plain statement of the facts, and their reasons for abandoning the project.

No compact for the carrying out at the first meeting of any particular scheme was in existence, the main promoters being singularly at issue as to the most desirable object, two advocating New Schools, two a Recreation Ground, one a Cottage Hospital, and one Almshouses.

At the meeting following these parties happily blended their views in one, that as Mr. Willis had offered a site for a Public Room, it should take that form.

The Committee submit –

That the absence of a Mayor, the Lord of the manor of the town appeared to be the rightly selected gentleman to take the chair.

That Mr. Selby-Lowndes gave his willing consent to do so.

That the announcement of the meeting was widely circulated, and that everyone had the opportunity of attending and expressing their views.

That if the movement was a loyal and desirable one, and also conducive to the general welfare of the town, the reason given that some were not consulted is a flimsy and unworthy one.

That the object, if carried out, would have been for the benefit of not only the present but of the future generations of Winslow.

That in reference to a Public Room, it can scarcely be denied that a good room for general purposes does not exist in Winslow, and that although the Baptists have their Centenary Hall and the Congregationalists their commodious School Rooms, Episcopalians have no room excepting the vestry of the church.

The assertion that it was got up by Disenters [sic] cannot be a fact, as the proposed Committee consisted of 8 Churchmen and only 3 Disenters.

That the deputation who waited on the wealthy inhabitants of Winslow found that they all with one accord began to make excuse, submitting that the churchyard fence and the debt on the church were of paramount importance.

Having thus explained our intentions and finding that our efforts, have been thwarted, we have finally decided to relinquish the work, but the loss of the opportunity to confer on Winslow some lasting benefit, privilege and pleasure, and the onus attaching to the failure, we lay at the door of those who have frustrated our designs.

We however add that we have decided not to relinquish a portion of our scheme, that of remembering the poor on the Jubilee Day, and of celebrating it by a general holiday.

Henry Monk, Thos. Price Willis, R. Williat Jones, Silvanus Jones, John Hathaway, G. D. E. Wigley, William Neal, W. S. Neal, A. G. Stevens, William Warne, Committee.

Other suggestions for celebrating the Jubilee

Buckingham Advertiser, 12 Feb 1887
THE JUBILEE.- To the Editor of the Buckingham Advertiser, Sir,- Would you kindly favour me with a portion of your valuable space, to invite your correspondent signing himself a “Parishioner” of Winslow, to state more fully his views on the question of celebrating the coming Jubilee. Having myself repeatedly stated I would help to forward any reasonable plan that had for its object the welfare and benefit of the general inhabitants of the town, I and others are ready to support a plan which “Parishioner” think so desirable, as mending our footpaths, which certainly are of a very disgraceful character. I have no desire to unduly press any plan or scheme, but very much more is required than what is hinted at by “Parishioner” to make it partake of something worthy the occasion, I presume he will allow. I should very much like to see our little town paved with good flagstones, for its paths from Sheep Street to the Railway Bridge, and from Western House and Church Lane up Horn Street, round our pretty Market Square. Add to this the enlargement of the disgracefully dangerous Tinker’s End Lane, where gentlemen residing in the immediate vicinity, would gladly help “Parishioner” to accomplish this object. One gentleman (we could not ask him to sell) would be pleased to give what little is required of the land adjoining the entrance of the town westward. We have only to ask and have and surely “Parishioner” will give liberally to the adopted of his heart. I will give a trifling donation of £20 in money, and be a full share of labour in the cartage of material, or in any other way thought desirable to help on so desirable a project, so that we may celebrate the 20th of June next, in a manner befitting so great an occasion as the Jubilee of our most gracious Queen’s reign, in the spirit of true loyalty and patriotism. Yours, &c., SILVANUS JONES.

Buckingham Advertiser, 19 Feb 1887
WINSLOW
THE JUBILEE.- To the editor of the Buckingham Advertiser.-Sir,- Will you oblige me by inserting in your paper the following in reply to Mr. Silvanus Jones, respecting the Winslow footways. I beg to say I cannot afford to give as much towards the cost of them as he (Mr. Jones) proposes to give, in the event of their being done, which he calls a trifling donation, but which I take to be a very generous offer, both in money and labour. It seems to me, that it could not be done, unless all were unanimous in the matter, and according to my judgement (which may be wrong) the fairest way would be for all ratepayers to agree to pay in the same proportion as they are rated to the poor. The expense of paving our streets with flagstones, I think would be far greater than the inhabitants would be willing to go to, and I think something cheaper would have to be used - it would have to be decided how much was to be done, so that an approximate cost could be arrived at, for each ratepayer to have an idea what his share of the expense would be. Another thing I would suggest is, that we change the name of Horn Street, to West Street, and Sheep Street (which hardly deserves the name of street) to London Road - the present names being quite inappropriate for the times- the names of our Streets should also be written up. I fully agree with Mr. Jones that the entrance to the west part of town is a very dangerous one. I am, sir, yours obediently, a PARISHIONER.

Queen Victoria's Jubilee

Buckingham Advertiser, 21 May 1887
QUEEN’S JUBILEE.- A meeting was held on Tuesday, May 17, of the Jubilee committee, comprising Messrs. T. P. Willis, H. Monk, G. W. E. Wigley, R. W. Jones, W. Neal, W. S. Neal, S. Jones, W. Warne, A. G. Stevens, and G. Hathaway. It was proposed to add the following gentlemen to the finance committee:- W. S. Lowndes, Esq., G. R. Greaves, Esq., Messrs. R. Creasy, T. F. Vaisey, F. Loffler, J. Loffler, J. Hawley, C. Colgrove, G. Ingram, and C. Colgrove; Dr. Newham, and the Revs. H. A. D. Hamilton, J. Riordan, and J. S. Poulton. It was agreed that the observance should take the form of a public dinner for the poor men and boys over 15, and a meat tea for the poor women and children. The committee recommended that the day be kept as a general holiday, and that public sports and pastime and a band of music be provided. It was also arranged that a deputation of the finance committee should canvas the inhabitants for subscriptions.

Buckingham Advertiser, 18 June 1887
THE JUBILEE.- The committee having now about completed their arrangements, have issued the following programme:- Dinner to men and boys over 15, at 12.30; Old English sports in the Flower Show Field at 2.30; meat tea for the women and children, at 4.30; dance in the Flower Show Field in the evening; and concluding with a display of fireworks at night. On the Thursday following their will also be a public dinner at the Bell Hotel. The Northampton Rifle Volunteer Band has been engaged for the day. The subscription list includes the following- H. J. Chinnery, Esq., H. R. Lambton, Esq., G. R. Greaves, Esq., and T. P. Willis, Esq., £10 each; W. Selby Lowndes, Esq., and Messrs. G. D. E. Wigley, H. Monk, R. W. Jones, and Neal and Son, £5 each; Mr. Silvanus Jones, £3/3; Messrs. M. Selby Lowndes, G. Ingram, and F. and J. Loffler, £2/10 each; Messrs. W. H. French, Parrott, Bullock, E. J. French, Chas. Mayne, and Edward Field, £2/2/- each, besides smaller subscriptions.

Buckingham Advertiser, 25 June 1887
On Tuesday morning the Jubilee was ushered in with firing of anvils at 3a.m., followed by the ringing later on. At 9 the Temperance Drum and Fife band paraded the place. At 10.30 the members of the Winslow Provident Society with their large banner, met the Northampton Rifle Volunteer Band at the railway station, and marched in procession to the Market Square. At 11 a well attended Jubilee service was held in the Parish Church, conducted by the Vicar, lasting about half an hour, and closing with the National Anthem. At 12.30 the dinner for the men and boys was held in two large tents (the largest 60 feet long) provided by Mr. Tibbetts, of Buckingham, placed end to end in the flower show field, when about 400 sat down…
The old English sports…came on at 2.30, under the management of Messrs. Bullock, Colgrove, Hanley [Hawley?], Lowndes, Neal, A. Monk, A. G. Stevens. They were witnessed by a crowd of spectators, who thoroughly enjoyed each event, and particularly those in which the women took part. Tea was provided at 4.30 for the women and children, of whom there were about 700. Mr Hathaway was the superintendent, and had a large staff of lady workers. Mr. F. Benbow provided the tea. Bread and cheese and ale was given to the men and boys in the evening, and at the conclusion of the sports, about 9 o’clock, dancing was engaged in under the tents. About 10 o’clock the fireworks by Professor Wells, were discharged from the rising ground called Mill Knob, and witnessed by a large crowd from the sports field. Dancing was again renewed till about 12, and so passed off the Jubilee without a hitch of any kind, for which credit is due to Mr. Wigley, the hon. secretary. A word of praise is also due to the Rev. J. S. Poulton for the energy which he threw into the dinner arrangements. The excellent music of the Northampton Rifle Band, under Mr. Hilton, was much enjoyed by those present. The committee had publicly requested that the inhabitants should decorate and illuminate their houses, and with a few exceptions the request was cheerfully responded to. From a distance were visible the large Union Jacks on the towers of the Parish Church and Congregational Church, and the top of Mr. Wigley’s house and the Workhouse. Entering the town from the Railway Station Mr. Creasy’s residence [Northolme] was the first noticeable, having bunting and flags at every available point. Mr. Geo. King had a burner with the words “Peace and Prosperity.” The workhouse also was covered with flags of different sizes placed on chimneys, gateways, trees, &c. Mr. Hathaway had a large banner consisting of a St. George’s Cross in white on a maroon ground. At the Stag Inn, besides a pretty flag from the sign with the motto “Success to the town and trade of Winslow.” Mr. Jennings had two large Union Jacks over his gate. Messrs. Loffler [66 High Street] had one large banner with the Jubilee inscription and Prince of Wales’ Feathers in the centre, and several smaller ones. Mr. Saving [36 High Street] made one of the best attempts at decorating (as distinguished from mere showing of flags) seen in the place, a medallion of the Queen, the cypher “V.R.” and “God bless the Queen.” In white wadding on a crimson ground. Mr. Warne’s school was festooned with little flags. At the residence of T. P. Willis, Esq. [28-30 High Street], was displayed a large Union Jack from the upper storey, besides a number of smaller flags. Mr. Geo. Ingram’s house [12 High Street] was prettily festooned with flags and bunting. In Horn Street the Rev. J. Riordan [9 Horn Street] had a tasteful decoration, with a portrait of the Queen and “Vivat Regina” in blue on a white ground. Mr. A. G. Stevens [15 Market Square] had perhaps the most artistic decorations. Two shields with flags prettily grouped round them bore the Jubilee inscription, with “Empress of India” on a central shield, while underneath was, in red letters, “Long live the Queen,” and then in larger ones, “God save our Queen.” The George Hotel was quite gay with flags, while the “Bell” had the words “Many happy returns” along the front. Suspended from the sign was “Victoria, Queen of the Isles,” and from the upper windows flags depicting hunting scenes and hunting mottoes. Mr. S. Jones [3 Horn Street] had a very large motto (on poles), about 9 feet by 4, having the following inscription, “The Lady of Kingdoms! Rejoice O nations! Be delighted in the abundance of her glory! We will speak of the glorious honour of her majesty. Fear not the reproach of man; thou shalt not be confounded nor remember thy widowhood any more. Thy maker is thy husband.” In addition to those mentioned, most of the tradespeople and many of the smaller houses displayed flags of different sorts. They were also placed across the roads and over the junctions of the streets, altogether making a very creditable display. At night the illuminations were not large, but the Workhouse presented quite an attractive appearance, nearly every one of its numerous windows being lit up. Higher up the street, Mr. Edwin French [20 High Street] had ingeniously illuminated his windows so that each pane showed a different colour to its neighbour, making a very pleasing effect. Mr. H. Russell [3 High Street] had the letters “V.R.” made of perforated piping inside a crown, and lighted up with gas. Mr. W. H. Stevens’ was brightly illuminated. Most of the decorations were continued on the following day. We are glad to say that very little drunkenness was to be seen, and no disorder. The police arrangements were under the control of Superintendent Hall…