The End of an Era

On this day in 1901, Queen Victoria died after reigning for 64 years in England. Of course, her influence and the style named for her continued much longer. Her years as monarch were the longest of any ruler in British history and the longest of any female in all history.

Born May 24, 1819, Victoria was the daughter of Prince Edward, fourth son of King George III, and a German Princess. She inherited the British throne when she was 18, because her father and his three brothers had all died, and her uncles had left no legitimate heirs.

Although Britain had already established a constitutional monarchy, Victoria managed to influence her nation's government, and became a loved figurehead. She was known for her stand for strict moral conduct and personal standards. Styles of architecture and furniture bear her name.

She married her first cousin, Prince Albert, in 1840, and they had nine children. He died in 1861 of typhoid fever, and the queen was devastated. She remained secluded at her residencies until 1866. In 1883, Victoria fell down some stairs and lived with a limp and rheumatism thereafter. By 1900, her health was declining rapidly. Her rheumatism had worsened so she couldn't walk and cataracts had clouded her vision. By January 1901, she also appeared dazed and often confused. She died on January 22 at age eighty-one but is certainly remembered in history.

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