A Diamond Jubilee Bench

Bench donated by Lady Dugdale to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
Photo by Benjamin Earl.

Next to Bentley Pound is a bench that attracts attention with its slightly unusual design. It may serve a practical purpose, but it too has a history. After speaking with the Atherstone Civic Society, it turns out the bench is one of a number donated by Lady Dugdale to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. It had been in storage at a local ironmonger’s and was placed beside the Pound during Queen Elizabeth’s Golden Jubilee year.

A similar bench still remains in its original position within the parish, adjacent to Beehive Cottage, towards Atherstone on the Coleshill Road.

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