Queen Victorias first train ride, 13th June 1842

On this day, 13th June 1842, Queen Victoria rode in a train for the first time, becoming the first monarch to do so!

Queen Victoria’s journal:

“Albert went early with our Cousins, to bathe & swim in the Thames, which he had done for several days. He delights in it. We all, including Mama, breakfasted, when they come back. — Wrote in my Journal & read. — At ½ p. 11, we left Windsor, which we were very sorry to do, in this fine weather. We drove to the Slough Station with Uncle & Hugo, Lady Dunmore & the other Cousins, following. The other Ladies, &c — had gone on before & waited for us at Slough. At the door of the Castle, before getting into our carriage, 2 of the Eton Boys, presented me with a congratulatory Address, on this recent attempt, & all the Eton Boys ran with us to, & through Eton. The saloon we travelled in, on the train was very large & beautifully filled up. It took us exactly 30 minutes going to Paddington, & the motion was very slight, & much easier than a carriage, also no dust or great heat, — in fact, it was delightful, & so quick. We were at Buckingham Palace by 20 m. to 1. The heat in London was fearful. — Saw Sir J. Graham & then signed in his & the Ld Chancellor’s presence, the document giving my assent to George of Hanover’s marriage. — […] – At ½ p. 4, we went & sat in the garden, until ½ p. 7. We read & wrote, & then “Pussy” came to us & played about. – After dinner, we all went to the French Play, at the Prince’s Theatre, & were quite charmed with Bouffe’s acting. We saw him in part of “Les Vieux Péchés,” & then in the whole of “Le Gamin de Paris.” His acting as a Gamin (a boy, in a blouse) was quite wonderful. We came home after 12. -“

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Published by Shannon McInulty

Hi! I’m Shannon, owner of Queen.Victoria.Roses. I began researching Queen Victoria in 2018 and have made it my mission to teach people all about her personal life, family and iconic reign. View all posts by Shannon McInulty