Q for Queen Victoria

Rule Britania



The Sicilian marble statue of Queen Victoria, situated at the entrance to the Main Library, on the North-Western corner of Market Square, was erected and unveiled in 1903 two years after her death. I have focused in on the statue to show the detail of this amazing piece of work.

The statue is a reminder of British rule, from 1806 to 1961 that so profoundly affected the history of this part of the world.


Born at Kensington Palace, London, on 24 May 1819, Victoria was the only daughter of Edward, Duke of Kent, fourth son of George III. Her father died soon after her birth and she became heir to the throne because her three uncles who were ahead of her in succession had no legitimate children who survived.



What I never realized is that Victoria was almost entirely of German descent. She was the last British monarch of the House of Hanover. Her son King Edward VII belonged to the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.




Victoria was the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837, and the first Empress of India from 1 May 1876, until her death on 22 January 1901. Her reign lasted 63 years and seven months, longer than that of any other British monarch.




Queen Victoria is associated with Britain's age of industrial expansion, economic progress and the expansion of the British Empire; during this period it reached its zenith, becoming the foremost Global Power of the time.



At her death, it was said, Britain had a worldwide empire on which the sun never set.


POSTSCRIPT:
Suzi-k here, Just to let you know that Max had fortunately prepared this ABC post in advance. He has asked me to post it for him. He had a heart attack yesterday and is in intensive care at the moment. He seems to be doing OK, but we would appreciate your prayers.