BFI

This film only survives as a fragment, and is hard to identify with any certainty as it doesn't appear in any of Paul's catalogues. However, the insignia visible on the train identifies it as Queen Victoria's own personal conveyance, and the presence of the monarch (or at least a very senior member of the Royal Family) is suggested by the large crowds that have gathered to witness its arrival, as well as the formal police guard of honour.

If this was indeed taken in 1896, this would make Royal Train one of the oldest films depicting the British monarchy, albeit on this occasion from a discreet distance. The following year, Paul would shoot the celebrations for Victoria's Diamond Jubilee from a great many vantage points.

Michael Brooke

*This film is included in the BFI DVD compilation 'R.W. Paul: The Collected Films 1895-1908', with music by Stephen Horne and optional commentary by Ian Christie.

Click titles to see or read more