Queen VictoriaPrint Page

The rotunda commemorates the reign of 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.

Last Wednesday was a gala day at Beaufort, fully 600 people assembling in the main street to witness the memorial to the late Queen Victoria opened by Sir Malcolm M'Eacharn, Lord Mayor of Melbourne. The memorial, which has been erected by the residents in commemoration of the reign of her late Majesty Queen Victoria, consists of an octagon-shaped band rotunda and clock tower, fitted in which is a handsome four-faced town clock, presented by Rear-Admiral Bridges, of Trawalla.

The structure is of brick, wood, and frieze work, and from the base to the summit is 50ft. in height. In the lower story is a weighbridge office, so that not only is the memorial a work of art and an ornament to the town, but, it will also prove useful. The cost of the work and the clock was £300. Sir Malcolm M'Eacharn congratulated Beaufort on being the first town in Victoria to erect such a memorial. He promised to have a photograph of it sent to his Majesty King Edward, and that Melbourne would emulate Beaufort's example.
Examiner (Launceston, Tas), 10 December 1903.

Location

Details

Dedication