Statue of Queen Victoria, Leeds

The Statue of Queen Victoria in Leeds is a striking memorial located in Woodhouse Moor, where it has stood since 1937 after being relocated from its original site outside Leeds Town Hall. Unveiled on 27 November 1905, the statue is the work of sculptor Sir George Frampton and architect Leonard Stokes, and it serves as a tribute to Queen Victoria and the imperial legacy of her era.

The centerpiece of the memorial is a bronze figure of Queen Victoria seated on a throne, with a scepter resting on her right forearm and an orb in her left hand. The throne’s back features a design resembling a radiant sun, symbolizing power and authority. Flanking the Portland stone pedestal are allegorical bronze figures: Peace, represented on the left, and Industry, on the right. The pedestal is further adorned with intricate details, including the Royal Arms, the Leeds coat of arms, and an inscription on the reverse.

A continuous frieze on the lower plinth celebrates the extent of the British Empire during Victoria’s reign, featuring the words "INDIA," "AUSTRALIA," "CANADA," and "AFRICA", framed by motifs of owls and foliage. The entire structure rests on a series of four steps, adding grandeur to its presence in the park.

Designated as a Grade II listed building* on 5 August 1976, the memorial has undergone several restoration efforts to address vandalism and environmental damage, including the conservation and refixing of the Industry figure and the removal of graffiti. Despite these efforts, the statue continues to require further conservation to preserve its historical and artistic significance.