TEN OF THE GREATEST; Victorian Icons; LIVE FOR LISTS

Byline: by JEREMY PAXMAN Journalist, author and television presenter

1 QUEEN VICTORIA 1819-1901

Let's not pretend the achievements in the age of Queen Victoria (right) were her creation. But she was lucky enough to take the throne in 1837, as Britain was entering its greatest years. Our present queen has had the reverse experience, and presided over an era in which the Union Flag has been run down all over the world. It's not her fault, and nor was Britain's greatness Victoria's doing. But she at least knew her limits. Indeed, for much of her reign, after Prince Albert died, she was virtually invisible. But you cannot begin to make a list of eminent Victorians without including her.

2 GENERAL GORDON 1833-1885

George W Joy's painting (right) of Charles George Gordon's last moments, standing on the steps of the palace in Khartoum, about to be speared to death by a group of Islamist …

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Publication information: Article title: TEN OF THE GREATEST; Victorian Icons; LIVE FOR LISTS. Contributors: Not available. Newspaper title: The Mail on Sunday (London, England). Publication date: March 14, 2010. Page number: 30. © 2009 Solo Syndication Limited. COPYRIGHT 2010 Gale Group.

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