I was quite excited when I found out today’s feature. On this date in 1837, Queen Victoria began her famous reign as Queen of England. She was only 18 at the time, and William IV, her uncle, had died that morning. Her mother woke her up, and she was taken to the Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Conynham to be given the news. I did not realize that her real first name was Alexandrina, but she had that name withdrawn from official documents, and it was never used again at her request. She was an amazing queen, and her legacy continues even throughout today. After all, where do you think the term “Victorian” originated? She reigned from that time until January 22, 1901, when she passed away at the age of 81. She was married to Prince Albert from 1840 through 1861, when his untimely death came as a result of typhoid fever. She remained a widow for the remainder of her life.
For more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_victoria
http://www.queenvictoria.victoriana.com/
http://www.biography.com/people/queen-victoria-9518355
