A GAZETTE reader has drawn Malvern Memories' attention to The Malvernian of 1897, which published a heartfelt plea from Malvern College pupils.
Senior prefect Harold Costley-White wrote to Queen Victoria congratulating her on her diamond jubilee - and asking her to declare a week's extra holiday.
"We desire to express the joy which we, in company with all your Majesty's devoted subjects in every part of your Empire, feel that your Majesty has been spared to govern us in peace, happiness and prosperity during a period exceeding that of any Sovereign of this realm," wrote the lad.
"And we humbly beseech your Most Gracious Majesty that it may please you to issue your Royal Command that the Council and Headmaster of this college should grant us an additional week of holidays, in commemoration of an occasion which is without precedent in the annals of our history."
But it was to no avail: courtier Arthur Bigge replied that it was not possible for the Queen to comply with their request.
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