Two volumes:
Minutes of the Festival of Empire Committee 1909 - 1910
Book of the Pageant edited by Sophie C. Lomas, 1911.
FESTIVAL OF EMPIRE
This material is held atLSE Library Archives and Special Collections
- Reference
- GB 97 COLL MISC 0459
- Dates of Creation
- 1909-1911
- Language of Material
- English.
- Physical Description
- One box
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
The Festival of Empire was the product of discussions and ideas shared over a thirty-year period. John Astley Cooper (1858-1930) proposed sports and cultural gatherings for English speaking nations in 1891.
The Festival was staged to 'show the gradual growth and development if the English nation, as seen in the history of this, the Empire City, and set forth some of the most striking scenes in the life of its inhabitants'.
It was contested by Great Britain and Ireland, Australasia, Canada and South Africa. It comprised five athletics events; 100 yards, 220 yards, 880 yards, 1 mile and 120 yards hurdles, plus heavyweight wrestling and 100 yards and 1 mile swimming races.
The Festival was the precursor of the Commonwealth Games, and was held at Crystal Palace in 1911 to mark the coronation of George V (1865 - 1936).
Arrangement
Two volumes.
Access Information
OPEN
Acquisition Information
Katanka, Michael
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