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Queen VictoriaPrint Page Print this page

1949 (State Library of Queensland)
1949 (State Library of Queensland)

Photographs supplied by Diane Watson / Russell Byers / John Huth
The statue, funded by public subscription, commemorates Queen Victoria who died in 1901. 

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.

The ceremony of unveiling the statue of Queen Victoria was performed on Saturday afternoon by the Governor in the presence of a very large gathering. The statue is erected in grounds adjoining the Executive buildings in George-street. The military and naval forces formed a guard of honor for Lord Chelmsford who drove up at 3 p.m., and after an appropriate speech, unveiled the statue. Simultaneously the Royal Standard was hoisted and the band played the National Anthem.

A handsome wreath was then presented to Lady Chelmsford who deposited it on the statue. Among those present were the Chief Justice, the President of the Legislative Council, Members of the Ministry, a number of members of Parliament and many other prominent citizens.
Morning Post (Cairns, Qld), 25 June 1906.
 

 

Location

Address:Elizabeth & George Streets, Queens Park, Brisbane, 4000
State:QLD
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -27.472471
Long: 153.024414
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Statue
Monument Theme:People
Sub-Theme:Imperial
Actual Event Start Date:20-June-1837
Actual Event End Date:22-January-1901
Designer:Thomas Brock

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Saturday 23rd June, 1906
Front Inscription

Victoria

1837 - 1901

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