Queen Victoria Statue, Bristol

51

Queen Victoria Statue, Bristol

Queen Victoria Statue, Bristol

The Queen Victoria Statue in Bristol, located on College Green, is a remarkable tribute to one of Britain's longest-reigning monarchs. Created by the renowned sculptor Joseph Edgar Boehm, the statue holds great historical and artistic significance. It has been designated as a Grade II listed monument, recognizing its cultural and architectural importance.

The statue was originally conceived as part of the festivities commemorating the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. It was positioned at the apex of College Green, displacing a replica of the medieval Bristol High Cross, which was subsequently relocated to the center of the Green.

Approaching the statue, one ascends a circular set of limestone ashlar steps that lead to a square copper base adorned with intricate details. The base features depictions of fish, putti, and inscribed panels, all meticulously crafted to support the marble statue. Standing at a height of 8 feet 6 inches and weighing four tons, the statue of Queen Victoria commands attention and respect.

On the 25th of July 1888, the statue was unveiled by Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale, one of Queen Victoria's grandsons. The Queen Victoria Statue in Bristol is part of a series of similar statues created by Boehm for the Queen's Jubilee celebrations. Other locations that received these statues include Windsor, Balmoral Castle, Sydney, and Pietermaritzburg.

During the statue's installation, a glass time capsule was incorporated into the plinth, preserving a piece of history for future generations. In 2004, during renovation works, the time capsule was uncovered and subsequently presented to the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, further enriching the city's historical archives.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bristol. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51 App

Queen Victoria Statue on Map

Sight Name: Queen Victoria Statue
Sight Location: Bristol, England (See walking tours in Bristol)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Bristol, England

Create Your Own Walk in Bristol

Create Your Own Walk in Bristol

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bristol is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Famous Bristol Statues Walking Tour

Famous Bristol Statues Walking Tour

Throughout its more than 1,000-year-long history, Bristol, England, has generated a wealth of cultural and historical heritage. Reflecting it now, and in some way matching it too, are a number of statues that celebrate personalities who made their mark and once graced the city with their association. These statues are scattered throughout the city, each with its unique story and importance.

The...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Banksy Tour in Bristol

Banksy Tour in Bristol

Visiting Bristol is like browsing an outdoor urban gallery. Roaming the streets here you will find it difficult not to come across state-of-the-art graffiti adorning the city walls – boldly displayed in narrow passageways, backstreets or on buildings – depicting wry humor and subversive images of pop-culture.

Bristol is also where one of the greatest enigmas of recent times – Banksy –...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles
Bristol Introduction Walking Tour

Bristol Introduction Walking Tour

A historical city in the southwest of England, Bristol was founded around the year 1000 AD. Predating the settlement at the confluence of the Frome and Avon rivers were the Iron Age hillforts and Roman villas.

The name "Bristol" evolved from the Old English "Brycgstow", which means “the place at the bridge”. Its current form emerged through the tendency of the local...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles