The weather today was mistakenly summer...warm winter afternoon. It was sunny for the past few days. Just passed by this famous meeting point in town, the Earl Grey Monument or just known as Monument. Situated between Grey Street and Blackett Street, it was erected to acclaim Earl Grey for the passing of the Great Reform Act of 1832. The statue of Lord Grey standing atop a 41 m high column of the monument. Designed by Benjamin Green and sculptured by Edwards Hodges Baily. The monument is a popular spot for people as a meeting point or people-watching, often acts as venue for busker, most notably APU with their Andean music.
Interesting fact that the Earl Grey Tea was named after Lord Grey! I thought that the tea was named after a citrus variety, Earl Grey orange because the tea has been flavoured with the earl grey essential oil after all...
Inscription
"This column was erected in 1838 to commemorate the services rendered to his country by Charles Earl Grey K.G., who, during an active political career of nearly half a century was the constant advocate of peace and the fearless and consistent champion of civil and religious liberty. He first directed his efforts to the amendment of the representation of the people in 1792 and was the minister by whose advice, and under whose guidance, the great measure of parliamentary reform was, after an arduous and protracted struggle, safely and triumphantly achieved in the year 1832."
And on the opposite face:
"After a century of civil peace, the people renew their gratitude to the author of the great reform bill. 1932."
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