This view of Jubilee Bridge was taken only about thirteen years
after it was constructed in 1887 and shows us a relatively
undeveloped promenade. The bandstand had not been built on
the opposite bank. That was erected in 1892-3, which agrees
with Frith's original black and white photograph having been
taken in 1890. The few people in the picture seem to be
well wrapped up as the trees show us that it was relatively
early in the season. There is what appears to be a permanent
stand pipe with a wide hose attached to it in the road
(lower right).
The card's message was written whilst a couple, on holiday
in Matlock Bath in 1904, were sitting on a seat near the
bridge listening to the band. Whether the pencilled X at
the bend in the road shows where they were actually sitting
or whether they'd hired seats and were sitting elsewhere
is hard to know.
In August 1887 the Derbyshire Times had recorded that "we
can most readily confirm the unversal opinion that they {the Prom
and the Bridge] are in every way a great success ... visitors
alighting at Matlock Bath Station immediately catch site of a
great portion of the Pleasure Ground and Promenade, and a very
pleasant impression of the place is at once give". It was
"17ft. wide all along the north side of the Derwent as far
as Mr. Howe's Public Baths" it was "a complete
success—and a credit to all concerned"[1].
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