The idea of the Jubilee is as a special year when as part of the celebrations, sins are forgiven and deeds pardoned. In the Bible a Jubilee year happens every fiftieth year, and that was a time when slaves and prisoners would be freed and debts would be forgiven.

The first Christian jubilee was celebrated on February 22, 1300 by order of Pope Boniface. They will be pardoned by God if they confess their sins and visit the basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul in Rome, at least once a day for between fifteen and thirty days.

British Royal jubilee years began under King George III. The beginning of the fiftieth year of his reign, on 25 October 1809, was marked in Britain and the Colonies. There was a (private) grand fete and firework display at Frogmore. In London the Lord Mayor and Corporation went to St Paul's Cathedral for a service of thanksgiving and then held a dinner at the Mansion House.

The longest-reigning British monarch, Queen Victoria celebrated Golden and Diamond Jubilees marking 50 and 60 years of her reign.

Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee was celebrated on 20 and 21 June 1887.

Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee on 22 June 1897, was marked by many celebrations. By then the service of thanksgiving had to be held outside the cathedral, as by then the Queen was too poorly to get up the steps.