Coronation Lamp War Memorial facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coronation Lamp War Memorial |
|
|---|---|
Coronation Lamp War Memorial, 2009
|
|
| Location | Morgan Street, Mount Morgan, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1900 – 1914 (early 20th century) |
| Built | 1902–1947 |
| Architect | Arthur Jenks |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: The Coronation Lamp, Boer War Memorial, The Coronation Light | |
| Type | state heritage (built, landscape) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600750 |
| Significant period | 1902– (social) 1902–1947(historical) 1902 (fabric) |
| Significant components | memorial – obelisk, park / green space, trees/plantings, memorial – lamp |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
The Coronation Lamp is a special monument in Mount Morgan, Australia. It's located on Morgan Street in the Rockhampton Region. This monument is also known as the Boer War Memorial or The Coronation Light.
It was designed by Arthur Jenks. The memorial was built between 1902 and 1947. Today, it is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, which means it's an important historical site.
Contents
History of the Coronation Lamp
The Coronation Lamp and Boer War Memorial was put up on June 26, 1902. It was part of the celebrations in Mount Morgan for the coronation of King Edward VII. The local council, the Mount Morgan Municipal Council, asked for it to be built.
It's believed that Arthur Jenks designed the lamp. He was also working on the Mount Morgan Technical College at the time. This memorial not only celebrated the new King but also honored the soldiers from Mount Morgan. These soldiers had died in the Second Boer War in South Africa.
Location Changes and Celebrations
The lamp first stood where Morgan and East Streets met. Even though it was called the Coronation Lamp, it became a central spot for other important events. The first ANZAC Day ceremony in Mount Morgan was held here in 1916. People also gathered at the lamp to celebrate the end of the First World War.
In 1947, the Coronation Lamp was moved. It was relocated to Anzac Park because the main street was being paved.
Mount Morgan's Mining Past
The town of Mount Morgan grew quickly because of a very rich gold mine. In 1882, three brothers named Morgan found gold claims on the mountain top. They later partnered with three businessmen from Rockhampton.
This partnership became very successful. In 1886, they sold their shares to their partners. These partners then formed the Mount Morgan Gold Mining Company Limited. The town developed fast, building all the things a growing community needed. The mine kept producing gold and copper until it closed in 1990.
During the Boer War, the people of Mount Morgan were very patriotic. Children in the town even donated pennies. These pennies were melted down to create a large bell called the Mafeking bell. This bell originally hung in the Town Hall.
Early War Memorials
The Mount Morgan memorial was built quite early in the history of war memorials in Queensland. After the First World War, many war memorials were built across Australia. These memorials show how people felt about their country and the British Empire at the time. They also show the skills of local builders, metalworkers, and architects.
There are many types of memorials in Queensland today. However, there are only a few that remember the Boer War. The Mount Morgan lamp is the only known Boer War memorial in the form of a lamp. It was first a gas lamp but now uses electricity.
What the Memorial Looks Like
The Boer War Memorial is in Anzac Park in Mount Morgan. It faces West Street. The park is on a slope, with the old Mount Morgan Gold and Copper Works in the background. The memorial stands close to the road and is surrounded by large trees.
A sign with the park's name is right in front of the memorial. Also in the park, just behind the Boer War Memorial, is the memorial for the First World War.
Parts of the Lamp
The memorial is made of painted concrete. It has a concrete pedestal (a base) with a lamp on top. The pedestal sits on a base with a curved molding. The pedestal itself has sections that are set back, with moldings on each side.
The front and back of the pedestal have marble plates. These plates have black letters carved into them. They remember the local men who died in the Boer War and celebrate the King's Coronation. Above the main part of the pedestal is a large top section. This section has many steps and moldings. On top of this is the base for the lamp.
The lamp itself is a cast iron gas standard. It is about 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall. It has grooves running up its sides and ends in an Egyptian-style capital (the top part of a column). Two iron rods extend from the capital, and two fluorescent lights are at the very top.
Why the Memorial is Important
The Coronation Lamp War Memorial was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. This means it's recognized as a very important part of Queensland's history and culture.
Showing History
War memorials like this one show how Queensland's history developed. They remind us of a time when many communities across the state were very patriotic. They also show how people felt about their country, especially during and after the First World War. These monuments are unique records of the past and show what people liked in terms of design during that time.
This Boer War Memorial is special because it was built very early. It's one of the few memorials in Queensland that remembers the soldiers who died in the Boer War (1899–1902).
A Rare Memorial
After the First World War, most towns in Queensland built memorials. However, in 1902, when this memorial was first shown, they were still quite rare. This memorial is also unique because it's the first known memorial in Queensland for the Boer War. It's also the only one that celebrates both the Boer War and the Coronation of King Edward VII. Plus, it's unusual to have a memorial in the shape of a lamp.
Beautiful Design
The memorial and its location make the town look more beautiful. The memorial is important for its design and the high quality of its construction.
Community Connection
This memorial has a strong and lasting connection with the community. It shows the impact of important historical events. It also serves as a central place for people to remember those events and the soldiers who served.
