THE good folk of Albert Street in St Ebbe’s, Oxford, knew how to celebrate.

Tables and chairs were brought out into the road and children tucked in to a sumptuous tea, as their mums and dads looked on.

This was the scene in May 1935, when the nation was celebrating the Silver Jubilee of King George V and Queen Mary.

The picture comes from Gill King, of Bicester, whose family had close connections with the St Ebbe’s area.

Celebrations were held throughout Britain and the British Empire as the King and Queen’s reign reached 25 years.

The King, despite his austere look, and his Queen were admired and adored by millions across the world.

In Oxford, some historic buildings were floodlit and huge crowds flocked to see them.

The main celebration in Oxford was a thanksgiving service at Christ Church Cathedral, attended by civic and university dignitaries.

The cathedral was “packed to the doors” and the service had to be relayed outside to hundreds of people who could not get in.

After the service, the mayor, George Pipkin, planted an oak tree in St Mary Magdalene churchyard.

There was great demand for silver jubilee goods at Oxford shops.

Many families in the city decorated their homes, and flags flew everywhere.

The celebrations, however, were shortlived.

The King died on January 20 the following year, plunging the country into a constitutional crisis.

His heir, King Edward VIII, abdicated that December over his love for the American divorcee, Wallis Simpson, handing over the crown to his brother, King George VI.