V is for.....

Victoria.

The Queen sat in person for this statue and was delighted with the result. Unfortunately, she died before it was unveiled in 1901. Edward Onslow Ford presented the monarch in stately robes, with orb and sceptre.

(It always reminds me of Jabba the Hut in 'Star Wars')


The monument has two sides. The shape is that of the throne, and the Queen faces the entrance to Newton St from Piccadilly. At one time it was on the promenade in front of the old Royal Infirmary.
On the other side is a female figure holding a child, and a quote from Shakespeare: "Let me but bear your love, I'll bear your cares".
A reflection of the relationship Queen Victoria had had with her subjects throughout her lengthy reign?

On top of the throne is a small group with St George and dragon.


Many years ago I remember an incident when a drunken man climbed up the statue and slipped down the gap between the back of the Queen's figure and the 'throne' un noticed.

He got stuck and people heard him moaning the next morning when he had to be rescued by emergency services.
It is a pity but I cannot trace the news reports so cannot tell you the date.

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