Queen VictoriaPrint Page

The statue commemorates Queen Victoria. It was originally unveiled in Market Square but was moved to the entrance of Eastern Park in 1912. 

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.

Geelong. The bronze statue of Her late Majesty Queen Victoria, which has been erected in the Market Square, will be unveiled today (Tuesday) by the State Governor, Sir Reginald Talbot. His Excellency and Lady Talbot will arrive here by the midday train, and be received by the mayor and statue committee. Escorted by the Barrabool Mounted Rifles and mounted police, the Vice Regal party will be driven to the Victoria hotel, where they will be entertained at luncheon. A guard of honor of No. 1 and 2 companies of the local Garrison Artillery will receive His Excellency, and the cadets will line a passage from the hotel to the monument. At 3 o'clock the ceremony of unveiling will take place.
Ballarat Star (Vic), 24 May 1904.

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