I’d Like To Know

QIs it true that Queen Victoria enjoyed holidays in Balmoral, just as today’s Queen does? Mrs P.L., Leeds.

AYes. In fact, the royal seal of approval is commented upon in “The People’s Friend” archives, which we found out while researching for our “150thth Special Collector’scollectors Editionedition”. The article states: “Her favourite homes were Osborne House in the Isle of Wight, and Balmoral, so beautifully situated on the River Dee.”

You may also be interested to know that Kensington Palace is marking 200 years since Queen Victoria was born on May 24, 1819 with a major exhibition in which visitors can see the suite of rooms where the young Victoria was born and spent her childhood. It runs from May 24, 2019.

QCongratulations on a wonderful 150-year record of social history in your “150th Special Collector’s Edition” – you all must have worked so hard on it.

It did make me wonder how and when the publishers changed from John Leng to D.C. Thomson? Is it the same firm with a name change, or a takeover? Also, if your offices and printing are done in Dundee, what do the London and Glasgow bases do? Ms J.H., Lutterworth.

ADr Norman Watson, D.C. Thomson’s company historian, says, “The London office was primarily a base for dealing with editorial, advertising and circulation matters in the south.

“Glasgow was a major production and editorial centre for ‘The Sunday Post’ and ‘The Weekly News’.

“As far as I am aware there is no set date for the Leng/ Thomson merger. The companies drifted together in the early 20th century, and D.C. Thomson & Co began to run the joint businesses in 1905 when our present company was created.”

QA friend of mine says that Sainsbury’s shares your special birthday. Has the store really been in operation for 150 years? Mrs K.P., Manchester.

AYour friend is correct. John James Sainsbury opened up the first store in Drury Lane, London in 1869.