Queen VictoriaPrint Page

The Wills Square Fountain, officially opened in 1902, was erected to commemorate 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 proposal to commemorate the late Queen Victoria by the erection of a handsome drinking fountain in Wills-square, Daylesford, finds much favor here. Mr. W. T. Osborne, of Leonard's Hill, is getting up a performance of the opera H.M.S. Pinafore, to be performed locally, the proceeds of which will go to the memorial fund, and a considerable sum has been obtained in subscriptions. 
Age (Melbourne), 6 June 1901.

Daylesford, Wednesday. His Excellency the Governor (Sir G. S. Clarke), Lady Clarke, and Miss Clarke visited Daylesford today to open the Agricultural Show, and lay the foundation stone of the Queen Victoria memorial fountain. The Ministry was represented by Mr. Gurr, and the other members of Parliament present were Mr. M'Cay, M.H.R., with Messrs. Embling, Fitzgerald and Gray, M.L.C.'s, and Messrs M'Leod, O'Neill, and Grose, M.L.A.'s. Addresses were presented to His Excellency at each function. 
Argus (Melbourne), 13 March 1902. 

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