Show of 1905. 
17 
success in so far that it was universally admitted to be the 
most magnificent exhibition of live stock that had ever been 
brought together, and that it was on all hands acknowledged 
that the arrangements for the comfort of stock and for the 
convenience of exhibitors and visitors were perfect down to 
the most minute detail. A failure, because the general public 
of London and the neighbourhood failed to respond to the 
invitation held out to them, or to appreciate the attraction 
that was brought to their doors. Throughout the week the 
Honorary Director worked as few besides himself could work, 
being here, there, and everywhere, inspecting, supervising, 
and arranging the details arising from day to day. On the 
occasion of the King’s visit he personally conducted His 
Majesty round the Showyard, and performed the same duty 
for the Prince of Wales and other distinguished visitors. It 
was apparent to many of his friends that he was overtaxing 
his physical powers, but having undertaken the task, he was 
determined to see it through. 
Sir Jacob Wilson’s many friends were gratified to find that 
his name appeared in the list of Birthday Honours, His 
Majesty the King having been pleased to confer upon him the 
additional dignity of Knight Commander of the Royal 
Victorian Order in recognition of his many services in the 
fulfilment of his duties as Honorary Director of the Royal 
Agricultural Society. 
It was my privilege to meet Sir Jacob the day after his 
return from Park Royal, and it was then only too evident 
that he had suffered severely from his arduous labours in 
connection therewith. Still he conversed with animation on 
matters relating to the Show, and, while naturally disappointed 
with the financial results, expressed gratification at the 
excellence of the exhibits, and spoke gratefully of the willing 
assistance he had received from the officials in all departments. 
Moreover, he spoke hopefully regarding the future prospects 
of the Society, and expressed his opinion as to what “ we 
should do next year.” Alas ! for him there were to be no 
more Royal Shows. Three days later he was seized by his 
fatal illness, and in three days more he breathed his last. 
On Friday, July 14, 1905, his remains were laid to rest in the 
pretty little churchyard at Chillingham, under the shadow of 
the castle walls which had been so intimately connected with 
some of the most important events of his life. The assemblage 
on that mournful occasion, in numbers far beyond the capacity 
of the church, bore striking testimony to the esteem and regard 
in which Sir Jacob had been held. Representatives were 
present on behalf of the Royal Agricultural Society, the Board 
of Agriculture, the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, the Eyre 
