Assassination Attempts on Queen Victoria
Eight Attempts on the Throne
Queen Victoria, who reigned on the British throne for 63 years, survived eight assassination attempts. The first attempt was made by Edward Oxford in 1840, and the last by Roderick Maclean in 1882.
Early Attempts
Oxford, a 19-year-old unemployed man, fired two shots at Victoria as her carriage passed along Constitution Hill. Both shots missed, and Oxford was quickly apprehended. He was later found to be mentally ill and was committed to an asylum.
Later Attempts
In 1850, William Hamilton fired a pistol at Victoria as she was leaving Buckingham Palace. The bullet grazed her head, but she was not seriously injured. Hamilton was convicted of treason and sentenced to death, but his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment.
In 1853, John Francis attempted to shoot Victoria with a poisoned dart. The dart missed her, and Francis was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.
In 1872, Arthur O'Connor shot at Victoria as she was driving in Hyde Park. The bullet missed, and O'Connor was arrested and sentenced to 14 years in prison.
Final Assassination Attempt
In 1882, Roderick Maclean was arrested and charged with treason after he was found carrying a loaded pistol near Victoria's carriage. He was convicted and sentenced to death, but his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment. He was released from prison in 1891, and later died in poverty.
Victoria's Response
Victoria was remarkably resilient in the face of these assassination attempts. She continued to carry out her duties as queen, and she never allowed fear to dictate her actions. Her personal diaries reveal that she was aware of the dangers she faced, but she remained determined to protect her country and her family.
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