Jubilee Celebrations
Croydon Jubilee Celebrations
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee 2022
credit: Jacob King/PA Wire/PA Images.
Celebrate Her Majesty’s historic reign with this learning pack of family activities, historic objects & fun facts!
The Queen will become the first British Monach to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, after 70 years of service. Beating even Queen Victoria (her great-great-grandma!) who reigned for almost 64 years.
Get involved in celebrating Her Majesty’s historic reign in the run up to the Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend which takes place from 2nd to 5th June.
Did you know?
Queen Elizabeth II was crowned on 2 June, 1953 in Westminster Abbey. She was the thirty-ninth Sovereign to be crowned there. She was only 25 years old. Westminster Abbey has been the setting for every Coronation since 1066. Before the Abbey was built, Coronations were carried out wherever was convenient, taking place in Bath, Oxford and Canterbury.
Photograph of Croydon Clocktower through The Queens Gardens
Croydon’s Royal Visitor
Did you know that the Queen has visited Croydon?
On 3rd of November 1960 the Croydon Technical College and Croydon College of Art were opened by her Majesty the Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
The Queen's Gardens were opened by her Majesty the Queen in 1983. The construction of the garden commenced in October and the final garden works were carried out in Spring 1983 in time for the Borough Centenary celebrations. The new gardens were opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 21st June 1983 when a small plinth was unveiled to commemorate the opening. She also visited Fairfield Halls and had lunch in the Arnhem Gallery.
Her Majesty and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh unveiled a plaque on a visit to the Croydon Clocktower on 16th February 1996. You can find the plaque in the Atrium near the Museum’s exhibition areas.
In 2002, part of the celebration of the Golden Jubilee involved a day tour of south London. On Thursday 4 July the Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh visited the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology. They attended a reception at Addington Palace for representatives of South London communities. The Queen then travelled to the National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace Park where she viewed the London Youth "mini" games.
Did you know?
Queen Elizabeth I was also a Royal visitor to Croydon. Her first visit was in August 1559, just one year after she succeeded the throne. Like HRH Queen Elizabeth II she must have had a fondness for horses as in 1585, racing was to take place, and a stand for the Queen was constructed and sent to Croydon. It is suggested that in these early years, racing was at Duppas Hill before becoming an established racecourse at Woodside.
CROYDON CELEBRATES
Scroll through the images below of artefacts from the archives showcasing how Croydon celebrated the Queen’s Coronation and Jubilees in the past! How will you be celebrating? From picnics, dancing, street parties, crafting to lighting beacons - the communities of Croydon will be getting creative and celebrating this June. To find out more about local Croydon events check out here and at Now Croydon. For the whole map of events in UK look here! Or even plan your own event and fun activities with HM Government’s Jubilee toolkit.
Coronation Souvenir programme, 2nd June 1953. Events were held at Wolsey School and playing field; they included fancy dress, juggling, a tea party and Punch & Judy. (ref:pS70(9)ROY)
Norbury Coronation Celebration programme, 3rd June 1953. Events included open air plays, dancing, fortune tellers, bonfires and sports games. (ref: PS70(394)NOR)
Coronation Celebrations. Monk's Hill souvenir programme, 2nd June 1953. Events included treasure hunts, balloon racing, cricket match, children's tea and Judo display. It ended with dancing, community singing and a Grand bonfire. (ref:pS70(394)MON)
Queens Diamond Jubilee, Grange Park, Old Coulsdon 2012 medal. The free event featured a giant picnic, prize draws and screenings in St. John's Church from St Paul's Cathedral. (ref:pS70(394)AAA)
'Long Live The Queen' flower bed arrangement in The Queen's Gardens. Made for the 2nd June 1953 coronation. (Ref: PH-96-4696)
The Queen's Gardens were opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 21st June 1983 when a small plinth was unveiled to commemorate the opening. (Ref: PH/96/4642)
Queen Elizabeth II visits Croydon in June 1983 and has lunch in the Arnhem Gallery at the Fairfield Halls. Image courtesy of Frazer Ashford
Did you know?
On 2 June, more than 1,500 Jubilee Beacons will be lit in recognition of The Queen. Croydon will have its own beacon outside the Town Hall on Katharine Street, at 8:30pm and all are welcome! You can also sponsor and “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” in your neighbourhood or even outside your own house in Croydon as part of the The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC). Find out more here.
Activities
Planning your own event? Taking part at home, with family/friends or your local community? Here are some fun activities to do online or print at home.
Have fun answering a quiz about the Her Majesty, the Queen. Do you know what type of dogs she owns?
Decorate and wear your very own crown! Learn all about the Queen’s coronation crown - the Imperial Crown of State! How heavy do you think it is?
Make your own bunting using this useful template! Decorate your home and tag us @museumofcroydon on our Socials!
Join the Platinum Jubilee story on social media using #HM70 and #PlatinumJubilee. Tag us at @MuseumofCroydon
We welcome any feedback you have for our brand new digital learning offer! Let us know what you enjoy and tell us of any accessibility needs, ideas or concerns you have by emailing us at museum@croydon.gov.uk