*British, 1897, Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Sheffield Commemorative Medal – Norfolk Park Children’s Welcome*
An original Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee commemorative medal issued in Sheffield in 1897, struck to mark the Queen’s visit to the city during the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of her reign.
The obverse features the veiled bust of Queen Victoria facing left, wearing a crown and widow’s veil, surrounded by the Latin legend: “VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX” (“Victoria, Queen and Empress”). The reverse bears a detailed inscription commemorating the Queen’s reception by the children of Sheffield: “IN COMMEMORATION OF THE LOVING WELCOME GIVEN BY THE CHILDREN OF SHEFFIELD TO QUEEN VICTORIA IN NORFOLK PARK, SHEFFIELD MAY 1897 – 1837 DIAMOND JUBILEE 1897.”
The medal retains its original red, white and blue tricolour ribbon, and is suspended from a simple straight suspension bar.
These medals were produced locally and distributed as souvenirs of the celebrations held in Sheffield during the Queen’s visit in May 1897, part of the wider national festivities marking her Diamond Jubilee.
Approx. Measurements – Diameter: 38 mm.
History Note:
Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897 celebrated sixty years on the British throne, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history up to that point. Across Britain and the wider Empire, towns and cities organised elaborate celebrations including parades, civic receptions, and commemorative medals.
Sheffield’s celebrations were particularly significant because 1897 marked the first official visit of a reigning British monarch to the city. Queen Victoria travelled to Sheffield primarily to open the newly completed Sheffield Town Hall. A major highlight of the visit took place at Norfolk Park, where thousands of local schoolchildren gathered to greet the Queen. Contemporary accounts describe large choirs of children assembled to sing patriotic songs and welcome the monarch. The event was intended as a civic display of loyalty and pride from the industrial city. To commemorate the occasion, specially struck medals such as this example were distributed to participants and attendees. These locally issued commemoratives often used white metal alloys and simple suspensions, making them accessible souvenirs for the public, particularly for schoolchildren involved in the celebrations.
Today these medals represent both Victorian civic pride and the widespread public celebrations that marked the final great jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign.
*Condition*
Good overall condition for age. The medal shows surface wear, oxidation and patination consistent with age, particularly to the obverse fields. The original ribbon survives but shows fraying and wear to the upper edge. Suspension intact. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQ#3072E_1677237227
