Sitting under Queen Victoria

This splendid piece of Imperial bronze sits under the even more grandiose statue of Queen Victoria in (where else) Victoria Square, Hull. It turns out that many more people over the last century or so have enjoyed their ease under the old Queen too.

Designed by the architect J.S. Gibson and sculpted by H.C. Fehr. Unveilled in 1903 by the Prince of Wales, later the statue was upgraded to a monument, and public toilets were installed underneath.

Gloria Victoria
(Rowe & Clark)

If anyone should go to Hull to spend a day or three
You'll find a wondrous city, laid out for all to see,
But its not the parks and gardens that catch the tourist's eye
Not the great big hospital towering to the sky
You'll find a site that 's quite unique and have to stop and stare
Victoria on a toilet in the middle of the square

Victoria Victoria, Gloria Victoria
They loved her well and none can tell just why they had to spoil it
She'd not amused, she's been abused
She overlooks a toilet