SPEAKING OF THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND…

Queen Victoria died on January 22 1901. Exactly one year and seven months after her death–on July 22nd 1902–somebody got a camera, went to Bradford (in West Yorkshire) and filmed what was known as ‘track and field day’. By stabilizing the image and frame rate and adding period sound effects we can drift our way backwards into what was still very much a Victorian-based culture–note the dress, hats, etc. But what we see from this remarkable footage is a happiness and freedom that one doesn’t usually associate with tales of British schools and children. The ‘Top Hat & Wheelbarrow’ event at 4:30 is beyond charming and there is definitely a pre-Python-esque ‘silly walks’ feel to the event beginning at 7:10. Royals will come and go but there’ll always be an England…

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