'God Save The Queen' - First Vocal Recording 1898

'God Save the Queen' has been the national anthem of the United Kingdom in some form since 1745, this song being during Her Majesty, Queen Victoria's reign (1837 - 1901). The lyrics of the anthem are a call for God's protection for the Queen and for long and prosperous years. The anthem in its modern form came into being during William IV's reign (1830 - 1837), with the Georgian era lyrics, 'God Save Great George our King' mostly being retired for 'God Save our Gracious King' since George IV's death. Exact origins are somewhat unclear, with similar lyrics and compositions appearing centuries before the 1745 date, including a French composition for King Louis XIV, Latin verses composed for King James II in the 1680s, Hints at a version of it existing during James I's reign, and examples in Elizabethan Society, such as in John Bulls musical writings. This 1898 recording, is the first known recording of the lyrical 'God Save the Queen' following the 1888 instrumental. The technology of that era was primitive compared to today's standards, but it marked a significant milestone in the history of recorded music.