Marking significant anniversaries in a monarch's reign

N Hyde
Medal commemorating the Golden Jubilee of the reign of King George III, 1810 1810
RCIN 440039
On 25 October 1809, at the start of the 50th year of his reign, George III became the first British monarch for whom a jubilee was celebrated. Illuminations, fireworks and much feasting and drinking marked the occasion nationwide. On the obverse of this medal, struck to mark the end of the 50th year, is a bust of George III wearing the star of the Order of the Garter, with the dates of his birth and his accession arching above him. Underneath, the text reads 'Completed 50th year of his reign, Oct 25th 1810'. On the reverse of the medal, three young children hold a flaming heart before a figure of Britannia, seated upon a plinth inscribed 'Frogmore'. Frogmore, a house near Windsor Castle, was the location of the jubilee fete attended by the Queen and some of the princes and princesses. George III himself, in declining health, did not attend.
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Macalpine & Hunter collection, presented 1974.