Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert paid a short but memorable visit to Guernsey in September 1846. The landing spot where the Royal Yacht was moored is now known as the Albert Pier and two major roads are now named Queen's Road and Prince Albert Road in their honour.

The construction of Victoria tower in Monument Gardens commenced two years later in 1848 in remembrance of the Royal visit at a cost of £1,800 which was funded by public subscription.

Victor Hugo and his mistress Juliette Drouet visited the tower on their walks. Victor engraved their initials inside the tower.