Queen VictoriaPrint Page

The lampost commemorates 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.

On July 25, the festival of St. James the Apostle, after a celebration of the Holy Communion, the foundation stone of the lamp erected to the memory of Her late Majesty was laid in the grounds of St. John's Church, Albany. Prayer having been offered by Canon Louch, the rector of the parish, a sealed bottle, containing various documents, was placed by Mrs Wright, the wife of the Government Resident, in a cavity prepared for the purpose, after which Mrs. Wright said, "To the glory of God, I declare this stone well and truly laid in memory of Her Majesty Queen Victoria; let light perpetual shine upon her." The base was the work of Mr. Hartmann, the local sculptor, and is of Albany granite, bearing a brass tablet beautifully executed by Mr. Hartmann, with the simple inscription : "In memory of Queen Victoria; born 1819; died 1901."
Western Mail (Perth), 2nd August 1902.

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