South African (Boer) War & Queen Victoria FountainPrint Page
The fountain commemorates the South African (Boer) War and Queen Victoria and is representative of the Imperial patriotism of the period.
Two water towers with four projecting wings flank a pond with two inscriptions, one commemorating those from Ararat who died in the South African War and the other commemorating Queen Victoria.
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: | Barkly Street, Town Hall Square, John Fox Gardens, Ararat, 3377 |
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State: | VIC |
Area: | AUS |
GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -37.283511 Long: 142.932176 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
Monument Type: | Fountain |
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Monument Theme: | Conflict |
Sub-Theme: | Boer |
Actual Event Start Date: | 11-October-1899 |
Actual Event End Date: | 31-May-1902 |
Dedication
Approx. Monument Dedication Date: | 1905 |
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In commemoration of the late illustrious Queen Victoria
Her Court was pure. Her life serene.
God gave her peace. Her land reposed.
A thousand claims to reverence closed.
In her as mother, wife and Queen.
In honour of the district representatives in the South African War
Who freely volunteered for service and gallantly up held the prestige of Australia in that arduous campaign against the foes of Britain`s throne.