Victoria Font

There are over 100 statues dedicated to Queen Victoria. These monuments span the globe covering at least 10 territories and countries. Perhaps one of the most diminutive and colorful is situated on a wall down a small street in the seafaring city of Bristol.

Queen Victoria celebrated her 40th birthday in 1859. To commemorate this occasion, a wealthy merchant named Mr. Budgett had a small drinking fountain commissioned. It was designed by two brothers, William and Thomas Wills, who were known for their artistic creations of water faucets.

The cast iron frame was forged by the Coalbrookdale Company and consists of a stylized shield with beveled edges. At the top is the head of Queen Victoria, and underneath is a shell that dispensed water. Unfortunately, this function is no longer in use. On either side are two cherubs surrounded by acanthus foliage and daffodils. In 1977, this commemorative vessel was given Grade II building status. It has undergone a series of rigorous and stringent makeovers in more than 150 years.