Master key used by Queen Elizabeth (later The Queen Mother) at the opening ceremony of Barnett Hill Red Cross House.
Maker and role
The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company (estab. 1880, closed 1952)
Production date
1944
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Details
Description
Master key used by Queen Elizabeth (later The Queen Mother) at the opening ceremony of Barnett Hill Red Cross House.
The key is inscribed '1944' and placed in a presentation box with a silk and velvet interior displaying the maker's details and the Royal Warrant. A handwritten card inside the box reads: 'The opening of Barnett Hill Red Cross House by Her Majesty The Queen 31st May 1944.'
The key is inscribed '1944' and placed in a presentation box with a silk and velvet interior displaying the maker's details and the Royal Warrant. A handwritten card inside the box reads: 'The opening of Barnett Hill Red Cross House by Her Majesty The Queen 31st May 1944.'
Collection Type
Objects
Media/Materials
History
Barnett Hill Red Cross House was used as a convalescent home during the Second World War. In 1947, it became the Red Cross training centre.
In 1924, the Duchess of York (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) became an elected member of the Council of the British Red Cross. In 1936, She was given the role of president following the accession of her husband, King George VI, to the throne.
Throughout the Second World War, Queen Elizabeth gave unfailing support to the British Red Cross. She sent messages of support, donated items to be sold for British Red Cross funds and donated hundreds of books to Prisoner of War Libraries. She also made numerous visits to the British Red Cross headquarters and various British Red Cross projects.
After the Second World War, Queen Elizabeth continued to show support for the British Red Cross by sending messages of appreciation to mark Red Cross events and efforts and through visits to the headquarters to keep informed of the peacetime work of the Society.
In 1924, the Duchess of York (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) became an elected member of the Council of the British Red Cross. In 1936, She was given the role of president following the accession of her husband, King George VI, to the throne.
Throughout the Second World War, Queen Elizabeth gave unfailing support to the British Red Cross. She sent messages of support, donated items to be sold for British Red Cross funds and donated hundreds of books to Prisoner of War Libraries. She also made numerous visits to the British Red Cross headquarters and various British Red Cross projects.
After the Second World War, Queen Elizabeth continued to show support for the British Red Cross by sending messages of appreciation to mark Red Cross events and efforts and through visits to the headquarters to keep informed of the peacetime work of the Society.
Catalogue Number
1663/4/1
Associated Person and Role
H.M. Queen Elizabeth (b.1900, d.2002)
Associated Person
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Object Types
Part of 1 highlight set
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