Queen Victoria Monument, Birkenhead facts for kids
The Queen Victoria Monument is a tall, impressive structure located in the middle of Hamilton Square in Birkenhead, Wirral, England. It looks a bit like an old-fashioned cross, known as an Eleanor cross. This special monument was designed by an architect named Edmund Kirby and was officially revealed in 1905. It's considered an important historical building and is protected as a Grade II listed building.
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Why Was This Monument Built?
After Queen Victoria passed away in 1901, people in Birkenhead wanted to create a special memorial to remember her. So, a group called the Victoria Memorial Committee was formed. In 1903, the Birkenhead Town Council cleared a space in the center of Hamilton Square for the monument.
The committee first hoped to build a bronze statue, but they didn't raise enough money. So, they decided to build a monument shaped like an Eleanor cross instead.
What is an Eleanor Cross?
King Edward I built Eleanor crosses in the late 1200s to honor his wife, Eleanor of Castile, after she died. These crosses marked the places where her coffin rested on its journey. An Eleanor cross usually has a base with steps, and then several levels that get smaller as they go up. The bottom part is solid, and the upper parts have open arches. The committee thought this design would be perfect for remembering Queen Victoria, as it was a way to honor a much-loved queen.
Who Designed It?
One of the committee members was the architect Edmund Kirby. He offered to design the monument for free! We don't know who carved the statues or details on it. However, Kirby had worked with a company called Richard Boulton and Sons before, so they might have been involved. The monument was officially unveiled on October 26, 1905, even before it was completely finished. A local politician named Charles Gatehouse did the honors. The whole project cost about £1,400.
What Does the Monument Look Like?
The Queen Victoria Monument is made from sandstone and stands about 23 meters (75 feet) tall. The steps and some columns are made of granite. It's built in a Gothic style, which means it has pointed arches and fancy decorations, similar to old cathedrals.
How Many Sections Does It Have?
The monument has an octagonal (eight-sided) shape at each level. It stands on five steps and has four main sections, each one narrower than the one below it.
- The lowest section is solid. Each side has a pointed arch decoration called a gable and a small roof-like cover called a canopy.
- On the front, you can read an inscription that says:
- VICTORIA
- QUEEN
- AND
- EMPRESS
- 1837–1901
- SHE WROUGHT
- HER PEOPLE
- LASTING GOOD
- The other sides of this bottom section show different coats of arms (symbols of a family or place) and their mottos. These include the arms for Birkenhead, Cheshire, Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England, and the Royal arms.
- The middle two sections of the monument are open, with arcades (rows of arches) and granite columns.
- The very top section is a pointed spire with decorative carvings called crockets. It is topped with a crown-shaped decoration called a finial.
Why Is It a Listed Building?
The Queen Victoria Monument was officially named a Grade II listed building on March 28, 1974. This means it's recognized as a "building of national importance and special interest." Grade II is the most common listing grade, showing that the building is important to the country's history and architecture.
See also
In Spanish: Queen Victoria Monument (Birkenhead) para niños
