Unveiling Queen Victoria's Statue, Newcastle-under-Lyme

Description:This statue of Queen Victoria was presented to the town of Newcastle-under-Lyme in 1903 by Sir Alfred Haslam, and was unveiled on 5th November 1903 by the Grand Duke Michael of the Russian Imperial family to celebrate the coronation of Edward VII. It was a bronze copy of a popular marble sculpture that was erected in India in 1889. Several copies were made to celebrate Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and Sir Alfred Haslam bought three. One for the City of London, one for the Derby Royal Hospital and one for Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Sir Alfred Haslam, an engineer, was famous for patenting the first refrigeration plant, which transformed overseas food delivery. He was also a Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme (1900-1906) and served as its Mayor from 1901-1903.

The statue was unveiled after a service at St. Giles’ Church by the Bishop of Shrewsbury and a procession of militia, the fire brigade and local dignitaries led by the town band. 450 guests were invited to the Municipal Hall to hear the Grand Duke Michael convey the sentiments of King Edward VII.

The statue stood in Nelson Place until 1963, when it was moved to Station Walks after the development of the ring road. It was moved to its present site in Queen's Gardens in 2001. Buried underneath is a time capsule, put together by the pupils of St George's and St Giles' Primary School.