FLAGS flew everywhere when King George V and Queen Mary celebrated their silver jubilee in 1935.

The nation and the whole empire were gripped by Royal fever.

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

All were keen to celebrate his 25 years on the throne.

In Oxford, historic buildings were floodlit, as these pictures taken by fireman Hector Prickett show.

They come from his widow, Theresa, of Elsfield Road, Old Marston.

The decision to illuminate the buildings was warmly welcomed and huge crowds flocked to see them.

The Oxford Mail of May 6, 1935 records: “Magdalen Bridge was impassable to traffic as members of the public gathered to see Magdalen Tower illuminated.”

The main silver jubilee 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 those unable to get tickets listened to the service outside.

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

Many families decorated their homes and among the most impressive streets were Freelands Road and Wellington Street, where “flags, fairy lights and bunting were in abundance”.

Many shops sold out of festive material and last-minute customers were disappointed.

The Oxford Mail played its part, offering a “lovely solid silver teaspoon worth at least 3s 6d” to every baby born in Jubilee Week to a registered reader.

Meanwhile, in London, thousands of people lined the three-mile route from Buckingham Palace as the King and Queen made their way to a thanksgiving service at St Paul’s Cathedral.