Statue of Queen Victoria (Victoria, British Columbia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Statue of Queen Victoria |
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The statue in 2018
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| Location | Victoria, British Columbia, Canada |
| 48°25′14″N 123°22′12″W / 48.42050°N 123.36994°W | |
The statue of Queen Victoria is a special bronze sculpture you can find in Victoria, British Columbia. It shows Queen Victoria, who was a very important queen of the United Kingdom. The statue stands proudly outside the British Columbia Parliament Buildings. It was created by a British artist named Albert Bruce-Joy.
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About the Statue
This impressive statue is made of bronze, which is a strong metal. It stands about 4-metre (13 ft) tall, which is like two cars stacked on top of each other! The statue shows Queen Victoria looking regal and powerful.
Who Was Queen Victoria?
Queen Victoria ruled the British Empire for a very long time, from 1837 to 1901. This period is often called the Victorian era. During her reign, the British Empire grew very large. Many places around the world, including the city of Victoria in British Columbia, were named after her. She was a symbol of strength and stability for many years.
How the Statue Was Made
The idea for this statue came from Richard McBride, who was the Premier of British Columbia at the time. He asked for the statue to be made in 1912. The artist, Albert Bruce-Joy, finished creating the sculpture in 1914.
A Delayed Unveiling
Even though the statue was ready in 1914, it couldn't be shown to the public right away. This was because World War I started, which was a huge global conflict. The war caused many delays, and so the statue was not officially unveiled until 1921. It took seven years after its completion for everyone to see it!
Where to Find It
You can see the statue of Queen Victoria right in front of the British Columbia Parliament Buildings. These buildings are where the government of British Columbia meets. The statue is a reminder of the historical ties between British Columbia and the British Empire. It's a popular spot for visitors to see and learn about the history of the province.
