Abbey Oaken Case 1877 - 1935

This large case was made from an oak beam from Westminster Abbey. It contains a great many engravings and interesting inscriptions, only a few of which can be mentioned here.

1877-1901

Two serious ship disasters occurred in 1878 with significant loss of life; the sinking of HMS Eurydice off the Isle of Wight, and the collision between the Bywell Castle and the Princess Alice in the Thames.

Further disaster in December 1879 is recorded when the Tay Bridge collapsed in a storm.

Social improvements in Westminster between 1891 and 1893 are noted, with the installation of electric street lighting, a new public library

and bathhouse, and the opening of the Imperial Institute (now Imperial College) in South Kensington.

Wars in the Empire included the Afghan and Zulu wars. The occupation of Egypt and war in the Sudan are marked with an engraving of the Sphinx and the Pyramids, and a sketch of General Gordon records his death in Khartoum.

Explosions in London in 1885 marked the early activities of those seeking Home Rule for Ireland.

Queen Victoria’s Golden and Diamond Jubilees of 1887 and 1897 receive particular attention. On the top of the case, a silver statue of Queen Victoria celebrates her Golden Jubilee in 1887. Inscriptions record the many celebrations at home and abroad, including dinners for the poor.

The Queen’s death in 1901 is simply noted on a single plate.