17th August 1894
A royal visit… of sorts
Royals visited Guernsey unannounced during Victoria’s reign. On 18 August 1894, The Star reported that “shortly after seven o’clock yesterday morning a large paddle steamer accompanied by a screw steamer was seen [in] the Russell. This steamer anchored in the outer roads, and news soon spread that this was Her Majesty’s Yacht the Victoria and Albert. It further transpired that on board the yacht… were His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Battenberg and the Princess Beatrice.”
Sadly for any excited onlookers, the royal party didn’t come ashore, but the Lieutenant-Governor, General Stevenson, was instead rowed out to meet them in a six-oared galley for an audience with the prince.
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Other events that occured in August
Earl Grey was appointed Governor of Guernsey
- Fort Grey in Rocquaine Bay is named after Earl Grey
- Read more…
The Beatles played at Candie Gardens
- The Fab Four had popped across from Jersey while on tour.
- Read more…
Mapmaking geologist John MacCulloch died
- The Guernsey-born Scottish mapmaker was also an accomplished geologist.
- Read more…
Charlie Chaplin played in St Peter Port
- The comedian had yet to find fame in the movies – or fully exploit mime.
- Read more…