1936::Lord Mayor of London Attends Golden Jubilee in Vancouver, British Columbia

Sir Percy Vincent made history as the first Lord Mayor of London to visit Canada.

"1936::Lord Mayor of London Presents Replica Mace to City of Vancouver"

Photo Clip: The Vancouver Sun (1936)

Vancouver, British Columbia

In 1936, Sir Percy Vincent, the Lord Mayor of London, made history when he travelled to Vancouver, British Columbia, to help the city celebrate its Golden Jubilee, its 50th Anniversary of incorporation. It was the first time a Lord Mayor of London had travelled anywhere in the Commonwealth while in office, and he didn't arrive empty-handed. With him were noteworthy gifts from Great Britain. Among them were a replica Mace of the City of London and two paintings honouring the city's founder, Captain Vancouver, one depicting his birthplace in Norfolk and the other his burial site in Petersham. 

"1936::Mudslide Traps Lord Mayor's Train Near Lytton, British Columbia"

Photo Clip: The Vancouver Sun (1936)

Vancouver, British Columbia

While Vancouverites were waiting for their special guest to arrive, they learned that a mudslide near Lytton had covered the railway, leaving the Lord Mayor's train stranded near Spence's Bridge. It took the efforts of a hundred workers, scrambling for 13 hours, to clear the tracks and allow the train to continue its journey. Finally, late at night, the Lord Mayor and his entourage arrived in Vancouver and were greeted with a grand reception and a formal welcome from the city's officials.

"1936::The Lord Mayor of London Unveils Captain Vancouver Statue at the New City Hall"

Photo Clip: City of Vancouver Archives (CVA 99-2927)

Vancouver, British Columbia

Despite the delay in his arrival, the Lord Mayor was kept on schedule. He inspected the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, attended a banquet dinner, and enjoyed the breathtaking view from the top of Grouse Mountain. But the highlight of his trip was in the yard of the new City Hall. Here, the Lord Mayor unveiled a statue of a fellow Norfolk man, Captain Vancouver, with whom he shared a common birthplace and felt a personal connection. Then, when the official festivities were over, the Lord Mayor of London sailed to Vancouver Island.

"1936::Lord Mayor of London Plants Tree in Beacon Hill Park, Vancouver Island"

Photo Clip: Illustrated London News (1936)

London, England

After attending the Sunday service at Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria's distinguished guest and entourage drove to Lake Cowichan to see the sights. When they returned, they joined the crowd in Beacon Hill Park, who had gathered to watch the Lord Mayor of London plant an English Oak Tree in the Mayor's Grove. The following day, the Lord Mayor and company sailed back to Vancouver, boarded a train to the East Coast and returned home to London, England.