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Queen Victoria Closeup  Nov 2009
Queen Victoria Closeup Nov 2009

Photographs supplied by Diane Watson / Kent Watson / Sandra Brown

The statue was erected by public subscription to commemorate Queen Victoria who died in 1901.  It is a twice life-size white marble statue on a 5 metre high stone pedestal with a lion couchant at the base of the plinth.

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.

Yesterday the Mayor of Bendigo, Cr Curnow, performed the ceremony of unveiling the statue of the late Queen Victoria, in the presence of the Parliamentary representatives for the district, councillors, citizens and members of the military forces and the Naval Brigade. The mayor and Cr Harkness made patriotic speeches, and the Naval Brigade Band played the National anthem as the flag was removed from the statue. The sculptor is Mr. J. White and his work has been greatly admired.
Geelong Advertiser (Vic), 15 April 1903.

 

Location

Address:Pall Mall & View Street, Queen`s Gardens, Rosalind Park , Bendigo, 3550
State:VIC
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -36.758886
Long: 144.278657
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Sculpture
Monument Theme:People
Sub-Theme:Imperial
Actual Event Start Date:20-June-1837
Actual Event End Date:22-January-1901
Artist:James White

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Tuesday 14th April, 1903
Front Inscription

Victoria

Queen of earthly Queens

1837 - 1901

Erected by the citizens of Bendigo


 

 

 

Back Inscription

Unveiled 14 April 1903,

J. H. Curnow Mayor

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