The Holt Jubilee Column - Norfolk UK

The Queen Victoria 1887 Jubilee Column and lantern stood originally in the Holt Market Place and at that time incorporated a drinking fountain.

Up to now no evidence has been found to show who arranged it or who paid for it. Around 1920 it was removed to the Obelisk Plain to make way for the 1914-18 War Memorial. Because the light was more often out than on, it had by now acquired the local nickname of 'Blind Sam'. Subsequently the lantern was removed and lost. Holt History Group Secretary Mrs Bobbie Gray, and Holt Town Council Chairman Mr Norman Cockaday, had long cherished the idea of restoring the lantern and in 1990, with the support of the Town Council, the Holt History Group took the matter in hand.

Mr Archie Checkley's well known collection of old postcards gave valuable information, showing the monument as part of the street scene. Though little of the lantern was visible, the outline was fairly clear and the size could be worked out. Holt History Group Treasurer Mr Douglas Bedwell did research at the Bridewell Museum Norwich. checking through a large collection of old manufacturers' catalogues in the hope of finding the lantern. What appeared to be the lantern was shown in the last catalogue checked, part of a frontispiece depicting the showroom of an important company, Walter McFarlane, The Saracen Foundry, Glasgow. After further investigation indicated the company no longer existed he wrote to The People's Palace Museum Glasgow, who had other catalogues and sent a copy of an engraving which gave a better view of the lantern. This engraving was the basis of the reconstruction.

There followed an extensive correspondence with various local authorities to agree technical and legal aspects of actually making the lantern and putting it in place. At the same time the Committee and members of the Holt History Group, led by Chairman Miss Joyce Belding, were raising funds. encouraged by the Holt Town Council's promised contribution. Mr Tony Sizeland, wrought iron worker of Fakenham was commissioned to make the lantern, which was erected in March 1992. The Holt Town Council and the Holt History Group are most grateful to all who assisted in this enterprise and contributed to its success.