Gibraltar interest. An early Victorian onyx model of the Europa Lighthouse in Gibraltar, with an unmarked silver lantern and a pierced gallery, the tapering stem applied with a plaque, inscribed 'Placed By ADELAIDE QUEEN DOWAGER of GREAT BRITAIN and IRELAND 17th Octr 1838', on a stepped base and gilt brass feet, 56cm high, 20.7cm wide.
The Europa Point Lighthouse was built by Trinity House at the southernmost point of Gibraltar. The building was commenced in 1838 and Queen Adelaide (1792-1849) stopped off in Gibraltar in October of that year on her way to Malta. She was hosted by the Governor Sir Alexander George Woodford and on the 17th October she is known to have attended the consecration of The Holy Trinity Church and may well have conducted other official visits. The lighthouse was inaugurated on the 1st August 1841 in a ceremony attended by over 10,000 people.