Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee - Cape Mounted Riflemen and Dragoons

Mounted colonial troops reach St Paul's

To maximise his coverage of the proceedings, RW Paul - probably the most professionally-minded of Britain's early film producers - positioned three cameras at different locations along the procession route. This film was one four surviving films shot by Paul himself from the south side of St. Paul's cathedral. The mounted colonial troops - from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa - tell us that the time is coming up to 9am, and that the Queen herself will be close behind.

Though it's somewhat damaged, the film also gives us a good view of the spectators squeezing out of upstairs windows of shops opposite - they likely paid a good price for one of the best positions on the route. Their jittery excitement suggests they're well aware that Her Majesty is approaching.