READY for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887, the Town & District Committee of Pontypool (forerunners of the local community or urban district Councils) made the following announcement regarding the town’s celebrations:
“The people of Pontypool and District will have the proud honour and dignity of participating in the inauguration of the Jubilee festivities to celebrate the 50th year of Her Majesty’s reign.
"Vast numbers may be expected to flock to the town to evince their loyalty and fealty to the Crown for the Eisteddfod which will form one part of the attraction, although there are many of a highly interesting character.
"The Eisteddfod will take place in what is known as the “Home Park” for which a spacious platform has been erected and every convenience will be afforded for both competitors and visitors.
"Platforms have been extended at Clarence Street station in order to meet the immense traffic which is expected.
"The services of 60 policemen will be will be brought into requisition under Superintendent Whitfield with several mounted officers and… for those inclined to be disorderly or pugnacious, temporary cells and police Barracks will be erected in the Park.
"Over 60 tonnes of timber have been employed on the entire preparations for the day, should the weather prove unfavourable, shelter can be provided for… at least 20,000, with the large amount of canvas at command.”
The picture is an illustration of the Eisteddfod and Golden Jubilee celebrations in Pontypool Park, which was published in the London Illustrated News of 1887, a copy of which is in the Torfaen Museum collection.
Nostalgia is provided by Torfaen Museum.
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