Statue Square Page - InfoMap

Statue Square

Public Space Square

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Statue Square (Chinese: 皇后像廣場; lit. 'Empress' Statue Square') is a public pedestrian square located in Central, Hong Kong. Built entirely on reclaimed land in the late 19th century as part of the Praya Reclamation Scheme, the square is divided into northern and southern sections by Chater Road and bordered by Connaught Road Central and Des Voeux Road Central.Originally named 'Royal Square,' it was conceived by Sir Catchick Paul Chater as a space dedicated to statues of British royalty. Its central feature was a bronze statue of Queen Victoria, unveiled on 28 May 1896 to commemorate her Golden Jubilee. Despite initial plans for a marble statue, a bronze version was mistakenly commissioned. Over time, the area became known as 'Statue Square.'A statue of Sir Thomas Jackson, 1st Baronet, a prominent HSBC banker, was added in 1906. During World War II, most statues, including those of Queen Victoria and George V, were removed by Japanese occupiers to be melted. After the war, some were returned: Queen Victoria's statue now resides in Victoria Park, the two HSBC lions were restored to the bank’s entrance, but George V's statue was lost and never replaced. Sir Thomas Jackson's statue remains in the square, positioned near the Court of Final Appeal Building.The Cenotaph, a replica of London’s Whitehall Cenotaph, was unveiled in 1923 and stands in the northeastern part of the square, though this area is no longer commonly referred to as part of Statue Square.Since the 1980s, Statue Square has become a gathering place for Hong Kong's Filipina domestic workers on Sundays, their rest day. A similar tradition has developed in Victoria Park, where Indonesian domestic workers congregate. Today, Statue Square stands as both a historical site and a symbol of Hong Kong's cultural diversity.

Inserted: 05-01-2025 19:01:27

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How did Statue Square's design and purpose reflect British colonial influence?

How does the Cenotaph in Statue Square relate to its London counterpart in Whitehall?

How has Statue Square evolved from its original function to its modern cultural and historical significance?

What historical events led to the removal of statues from Statue Square during World War II?

What role does Statue Square play in the cultural practices of Hong Kong's domestic workers?

What was the significance of Queen Victoria’s statue in the context of Statue Square’s original purpose?

Why was Queen Victoria’s statue relocated to Victoria Park instead of being returned to Statue Square?

Why was Sir Thomas Jackson’s statue retained in Statue Square after World War II?

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Map of Hong Kong

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Paul Chater

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