Tributes to woman mistaken for Queen

Crowds lined the streets, eager for a glimpse of the Queen, and gave a right royal cheer when they thought they had caught sight of their VIP visitor.

But the figure in a headscarf turned out to be Walsall philanthropist and animal-lover Amelia Constance Jessop, complete with bicycle, who was rather bemused to be confused with Her Majesty.

She had not realised the road outside Walsall Council House was closed because of the royal visit and had ridden her bicycle down Lichfield Street regardless.

The amusing anecdote has been recalled by Miss Jessop's family, who today paid tribute to her following her death at the age of 86.

Miss Jessop, who gave away thousands of pounds to good causes, suffered a stroke and died in her sleep at Walsall Manor Hospital on February 28.

She was pictured in the Express & Star in July 1977 being cheered by crowds in Walsall waiting for the Queen to arrive for the silver jubilee celebrations, after she was initially mistaken for the royal visitor.

Her niece Debbie Oakley said Miss Jessop, who lived in Moncrieffe Street, Chuckery, passed away peacefully.

"My aunt had a strong Christian faith and was very well-known in the area for it," she added.

"She never married, but devoted her life to looking after everybody else. She was born in Handsworth, and was my mother's sister, but her brother John sadly died from meningitis, aged three. She got around on her bicycle and was still riding it up until she took ill.

"We weren't aware at the time but she donated a lot of money to charities from the proceeds of her savings bonds."

For years, Miss Jessop took in dogs and cats, and looked after pets while friends and neighbours were away.

Mrs Oakley, who lives in Bentley Drive, Reedswood, added: "She thought the world of her family and loved my children Callum, Alisha and Corben to bits. We will miss her – she was every inch a character."

Miss Jessop attended a church group which met in Sandymount Road, Highgate. Her funeral is at 1pm on Friday March 14 at Sandymount Road Meeting Room, followed by burial at Ryecroft Cemetery.