Queen Victoria, a towering figure who left an indelible mark on British history, has curiously become a Steampunk icon. Why this odd association, you ask? Let’s embark on a journey through the brass and gears of Steampunk and explore together how Queen Victoria was crowned Empress of this retro-futuristic literary and artistic genre.
Who was Queen Victoria?
Queen Victoria, born in 1819 as the daughter of the Duke of Kent, would reign over the United Kingdom from 1837 until her death in 1901. Her reign, which lasted over 63 years, was one of the longest in British history. Victoria became queen at a time of profound social and economic change, and her reign saw the United Kingdom transform into an industrial and imperial powerhouse.
Marriage and descendants of his royal princess
In 1840, Victoria, of the House of Hanover, married her first cousin, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. The couple had nine children, who married into various royal and aristocratic families across Europe. Because of this, Victoria is often referred to as "the grandmother of Europe".
Reign and Legacy of the Queen of the United Kingdom
During her reign, Queen Victoria oversaw many social, political and industrial changes that profoundly transformed London and England. She saw the shift from an agrarian to an industrial economy, the expansion of the British Empire and the introduction of important political reforms, such as the extension of the franchise. Her reign was also marked by international conflicts, including the Crimean War and the Boer Wars.
Its influence on the Victorian era of Great Britain
The Victorian era , named after Queen Victoria, is known for its strict moral code, industrial expansion, and distinctive architectural and clothing styles. Queen Victoria herself has often been seen as the model of virtue and morality of the era. Her taste in fashion and decoration was also highly influential, with styles such as Victorian Gothic and Arts and Crafts emerging during her reign.
Mourning for Queen Victoria
It is a subject that has had a profound impact on British history. After the death of her husband, Prince Albert, in December 1861, Queen Victoria entered a period of mourning that lasted for the rest of her life, almost 40 years. This period was characterised by a withdrawal from public life and a deep sadness that affected not only the Queen herself, but also the court and British society as a whole.
Prince Albert was the love of Victoria's life and his death was a devastating blow to the Queen. She mourned very visibly, always dressing in black and avoiding public appearances. She also kept Albert's bedroom as it was when he died, with fresh clothes laid out for him each day.
Queen Victoria's mourning had a significant impact on British culture and society at the time. She established strict standards for mourning, which were widely adopted by British society. These standards included strict dress codes, restrictions on social activities, and a mourning period that could last for several years.
Gothic art experienced a revival of interest during the reign of Queen Victoria. This was particularly evident in architecture, where the Gothic style was reinterpreted in what is known as the Gothic Revival or Victorian Gothic style.
Why is Queen Victoria Empress of India?
Queen Victoria was proclaimed Empress of India in 1876, a decision largely motivated by political and symbolic factors. At that time, the United Kingdom controlled large territories in India through the British East India Company and, later, the British government itself.
Victoria's proclamation as Empress of India served several purposes. First, it was intended to solidify British control over India by establishing a direct link between the Queen and her Indian subjects. This served to legitimize British rule in the eyes of the local population and assert the Queen's authority over this distant territory.
Second, the title of Empress of India allowed Victoria to position herself on an equal footing with other European monarchs who had also adopted imperial titles, such as the Tsar of Russia, the Emperor of Germany, or Napoleon III.
Finally, the title enhanced the prestige and status of Victoria and the United Kingdom on the world stage. It highlighted the power and extent of the British Empire, which at its peak was the largest empire in history.
So, although Queen Victoria never set foot in India, her reign had a profound impact on the country and she became an iconic figure in India's colonial history.
Isle of Wight, a place dear to Queen Victoria
The Isle of Wight, located off the south coast of England, held special significance in the life of Queen Victoria. It was on this picturesque island that the Queen chose to establish her summer residence, Osborne Castle, which became a place of refuge and relaxation for her and her family.
The Isle of Wight is known for its natural beauty, with its white cliffs, pebble beaches and lush countryside. Queen Victoria was particularly drawn to the island's mild climate and the opportunity to enjoy the sea. She wrote in her diary about the island's beauty and how it offered her a welcome respite from the demands of court life.
Osborne Castle, designed by Prince Albert, is a perfect example of the Victorian architectural style. It was designed to resemble an Italian palazzo and offers stunning views of the gardens and the sea. Today, the castle is a museum dedicated to the life of Queen Victoria and offers a fascinating insight into her private life.
Queen Victoria spent a lot of time on the Isle of Wight during her reign, and even died there in 1901. Today, the island is a place of pilgrimage for those interested in Victorian history and offers a unique insight into the life of this influential monarch.
Why did we proclaim Queen Victoria the Empress of Steampunk?
Queen Victoria left an indelible mark on Steampunk culture, influencing everything from fashion to architecture.
The Victorian Era and Steampunk
The Victorian era was marked by the Industrial Revolution, a period of great technological and social change. Steam engines, airships, and automatons, which became key elements of Steampunk, all emerged or were extensively developed during this period. Steampunk, in turn, imagines a world where these technologies have evolved in different ways, often by integrating them into fantastical or futuristic settings.
Victorian Values in Steampunk
Victorian values and ideals, such as progress, innovation, and exploration, are at the heart of Steampunk. The genre often features characters who embody these ideals, whether they are daring inventors, intrepid explorers, or social reformers. Additionally, Steampunk often draws on the Victorian fascination with mystery and the unknown, whether through stories of journeys to uncharted lands or revolutionary scientific discoveries.
The Victorian Era and Steampunk Culture
In addition to technology and values, the Victorian era has also influenced Steampunk culture. The Victorian style of dress, with its corsets, top hats, and crinoline dresses, is a common element of Steampunk fashion. Similarly, Victorian architecture, with its detailed ornamentation and imposing structures, is often echoed in Steampunk settings.
The Victorian era can be said to have had a profound influence on Steampunk, shaping not only its technology and ideals, but also its culture and aesthetics. Steampunk, in turn, offers an imaginative reinterpretation of the Victorian era, creating a world that is both an homage to that historical period and a bold vision of what it could have become.
Steampunk Fashion and Queen Victoria
Steampunk fashion is a unique blend of old and new, combining Victorian aesthetics with elements of science fiction and fantasy. Queen Victoria, as an iconic figure of the Victorian era, naturally had an influence on Steampunk fashion.
Queen Victoria, with her taste for ornate clothing and delicate jewelry, influenced the Victorian era's clothing style. This style, characterized by corsets, voluminous skirts, and extravagant hats, is a key element of Steampunk fashion. Steampunk outfits often take these elements, combining them with futuristic accessories such as goggles, gears, and mechanical parts.
Queen Victoria in Steampunk Literature
In Steampunk literature, Queen Victoria could be portrayed in a fascinating way. Imagine her not only as a monarch, but also as a talented inventor, using Victorian technology to strengthen her power and expand the influence of the British Empire.
Here are some examples of steampunk books where Queen Victoria plays a role:
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"The Umbrella Protectorate" by Gail Carriger: This is a series of steampunk novels set in the Victorian era. Queen Victoria plays a role, although she is not the main character.
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"The Baskerville Affair" by Emma Jane Holloway: This is the second book in the "A Study in Silk" series. Queen Victoria is a minor character.
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"The Shepherd's Crown" by Terry Pratchett: Although not strictly a steampunk book, it has steampunk elements and Queen Victoria is an interesting character in it.
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"The Star Castle" by Alex Alice: This is a steampunk comic book series set in the Victorian era.
Queen Victoria, with her influential reign and distinctive era, is truly the Empress of Steampunk. Her influence is felt in every aspect of the genre, from literature to fashion, and continues to inspire Steampunk fans today.