The monument to Queen Victoria in Southport boasts a fascinating history.
Located on Nevill Street, in the Grade II listed building, the statue has been a staple landmark in the seaside town for more than 100 years.
But as it happens, it was once steeped in controversy amongst Sandgrounders.
READ MORE: Remembering the 'Docker's Umbrella' that used to stretch through Liverpool
Designed and sculpted by world-renowned artist George Frampton, the monument was erected in 1903, two years after Queen Victoria’s death in 1901.
The imposing statue atop a large stone platform depicts Her Majesty in her prime adorning the crown jewels - the sceptre in her right hand, the orb in her left hand and the crown atop her head.
Queen Victoria was planned to be displayed near the promenade, one of Southport’s busiest tourist destinations.
However, public opinion deemed the site unworthy.
Sangrounders argued the the busy strip of pubs, hotels and eateries, which is also home to Southport's ever-friendly seagull population, was far too rowdy and therefore unfit for a member of royalty.
In response to the uproar, the council changed their plans and made a home for the bronze Queen on Lord Street, on the plaza outside what is now the Atkinson Theatre.
Less than ten years later, the council moved the statue to Nevill Street, closer to where it was originally planned to be displayed.
There, Queen Victoria stood facing west, out towards the Southport coast and the Irish sea.
She remained overlooking the water for almost 100 years and was the 'crown jewel' of the busy seaside town tourist spot.
In 2006, Nevill Street underwent a huge £1.5m refurbishment funded by the Mersey Waterfront Regional Park, European Regional Development Fund and Sefton Council through the Local Transport Plan allocation.
Whilst her home underwent some redecorations, Queen Victoria was sent to Liverpool to be restored by staff at National Museums Liverpool.
Upon return, Queen Victoria remained on Nevill Street but was turned around to face east towards the war memorial obelisk on Lord Street, which honours the soldiers who lost their lives fighting for their country in WWI and WWII.
This created a direct line of sight between the two Grade II listed buildings.
At the time of Her Majesty's return, Sefton Council said about Victoria's new position: “It is designed to link her in a straight line to the town’s war memorial obelisk on Lord Street.
"Set among trees, Yorkstone paving and lighting, she will greet visitors as they make their way from the town’s Parisian-style boulevard to the seafront.”
Meanwhile, former Mayor of Sefton Cllr Tommy Mann, who was there on the day Queen Victoria returned to Southport, said: "For 23 years of my working life I drove past her each morning on my way to work at the Marine Lake, I walked past her many times during my working day and passed her again on my way home in the evening.
"For the all the years she was there, I just took her for granted. It was only [in 2006] after her removal that I missed her - so I am delighted to see her back in Nevill Street where she belongs, and in such wonderful condition.
"Her time away certainly did well for her as I have never seen her looking so regal."
To this day, Queen Victoria remains atop Nevill Street, facing down to the pedestrians walking up the strip towards Southport waterfront.
The bronze statue will remain in place and serve as a backdrop in Sandgrounders' memories for generations to come.
You can purchase a copy here of the 64 page special packed with nostalgic photos and articles from your local area'.
