Cross Keys, Worksop Empire Day Mug

A ceramic, transfer printed mug commemorating Empire Day in 1908.

The mug advertises The Cross Keys, Worksop and it's likely that the public house gave a number of these mugs away to local school children. It was situated at 113 Potter Street but the property has now changed use.

Empire Day was first conceived by a Canadian School Mistress in the 1890s as a way to educate children about the British Empire and to celebrate it. It was first celebrated in Britain on the 24th of May, 1902 with the date chosen as it was the late Queen Victoria's birthday. The Earl of Meath, Reginald Brabazon, was an early supporter of the day and persuaded the newspapers to encourage children to mark the occasion with patriotic events such as parades, ceremonies, church services and parties. The opportunity to have a public holiday filled with celebrations quickly took off with the public and the importance of the day grew. After the Second World War its significance diminished and in 1958 its name was changed to British Commonwealth Day. In 1966 British was dropped from its title and the day moved to the 11th of June, the Queen's Official birthday.

The Cross Keys understood that although Empire Day was primarily focused on children, like any celebration, a lot of adults would be wanting to enjoy a few drinks. Giving away mugs would hopefully encourage them to drink in The Cross Keys. General condition of the mug is good; the rim is a little rough in places and there is some minor smudging to the transfer. Its not known how many of these mugs were originally made but its likely to be in the low hundreds and probable that not many have survived. Dated 1908.