“I am Queen.” That’s what Queen Victoria wrote in her diary upon ascending to the throne. Today we stand before the monument to Queen Victoria in Montreal, a tribute to a monarch who never visited Canada but whose influence is deeply woven into the fabric of this country.
This square, named after Queen Victoria, gained its regal centerpiece a decade after its creation. Prince Arthur’s visit sparked the idea. A public subscription funded the monument to honor Queen Victoria. The commission went to London sculptor Marshall Wood.
Wood captured Victoria as she was in 1837. She was just 18, ascending to the throne. Instead of portraying her as a goddess with superhuman powers, Wood presented a slender, solemn head of state.
Look closely. See how she embodies dignity? The royal crown she wears features five lilies. They are a nod to France’s centuries of rule over England. In her left hand, held at chest height, she carries a laurel crown. Her right hand holds a scepter. It is a symbol of royalty.
This monument holds a special place in Montreal’s history. It was only the second commemorative monument erected here. The first was the Nelson column in 1809. Queen Victoria reigned for almost 64 years. Her reign, the Victorian era, saw the expansion of the British Empire. It also included the industrial revolution.
Victoria directed both domestic and foreign affairs. She often went against her ministers’ advice. Her reign championed conservative values. These values were both political and social.
Marshall Wood’s career took off in 1867. His sculpture “The Song of the Shirt” was displayed at the Paris World Fair. This recognition led to commissions from across the globe. That included this statue of Queen Victoria in Montreal. From 1871 to 1873, Wood even lived in Canada.
Queen Victoria’s legacy extends far beyond this square. We celebrate Victoria Day every May. She chose Ottawa as Canada’s capital. Streets across Canada bear her name. Her daughter, Princess Louise, even sculpted and donated the statue outside McGill University’s Royal Victoria College.
Queen Victoria never set foot on Canadian soil. Yet, her impact resonates through our history, our traditions, and even our landscape. The monument to Queen Victoria reminds us of a time of great change, expansion and enduring legacy. As you leave Square Victoria, remember the young queen. Remember her words: “I am Queen.” Her reign shaped not only an empire but also the very essence of Canada.