HUGE crowds turned out in Oxford to pay tribute to Queen Victoria when she died on January 22, 1901 after a 64-year reign.

News of her death had arrived in the city by telegram and quickly spread through the packed streets.

Our sister paper, The Oxford Times, reported: “An extra special edition of the Oxford Review announced the death of Queen Victorian, an announcement that was met with profound regret by the groups of persons who lined the Cornmarket eagerly awaiting the issue of the paper.

“The bulletins issued from time to time during Tuesday had prepared everyone for the worst and at seven o’clock, the streets were unusually full of people anxious to hear the latest tidings of her Majesty’s condition.

“Although the sad news was expected, it came as a shock to most persons.

“The crowd in the principal thoroughfares had considerably increased and when the special edition of the Review came out, copies were eagerly purchased and the announcement of the death of the Sovereign was eagerly read under the light of the electric lamps.

“Old Tom (at Christ Church), which is usually tolled only upon the death of royalty or the Dean, sounded at minute intervals from eight till nine.

“All flags on public and private buildings were lowered to half-mast and among all classes, respect was shown by the wearing of black.”

The city council held a special meeting on Friday morning and passed a resolution, moved by the mayor, Mr GC Druce, expressing “the profound sorrow felt by all the citizens of this ancient and loyal city at the death of their beloved sovereign Queen Victoria, and their humble appreciation of her splendid virtues and unparalleled services to her people”.

The Proclamation ceremony for her successor, King Edward VII, was held at Carfax at noon the following day.

According to The Oxford Times: “For some time before that hour, the centre of Oxford and the thoroughfares converging thereupon were almost impassable through the dense throng which had assembled to witness the unique and historic spectacle.”