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Diamond Jubilee of Queen VictoriaPrint Page Print this page

10-July-2004 (Kent Watson)
10-July-2004 (Kent Watson)

Photographs supplied by Kent Watson / Ballarat City Council

The statue was commissioned by the citizens of Ballarat in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee.

It was unveiled on the Queen's Birthday, 24 May 1900, by the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Madden before some 20,000 people. The cost of 2,300 pounds had been raised by public subscription.

Victoria (24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901) was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she adopted the additional title of Empress of India. With a reign of 63 years, seven months and two days, Victoria was the longest - reigning British monarch and the longest - reigning queen regnant in world history until her great-great-granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II surpassed her on 9 September 2015.

Queen Victoria`s birthday, 24th May, used to be called `Empire Day`. There were special assemblies at school with songs praising the British Empire. Children were then given a half-day holiday. Up to the 1950s, Empire Day was celebrated in Australia with huge bonfires and fireworks.

Location

Address:Sturt & Armstrong Streets, Ballarat, 3350
State:VIC
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -37.561876
Long: 143.856729
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Statue
Monument Theme:Government
Sub-Theme:Imperial
Actual Event Start Date:20-June-1837
Actual Event End Date:20-June-1897
Artist:Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Thursday 24th May, 1900
Front Inscription

1837 - 1897

The Accession

1837

Victoria

Dei Gratia
Britt Regina. Fid. Def.
Ind. Imp.
 

Left Side Inscription

The Coronation

1838

 

Back Inscription

Australian Commonwealth

1900

Right Side Inscription

The Diamond Jubilee

1897

Source: MA
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au