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Prince Albert - Queen Victoria's husband - died of typhoid fever at the age of 42. Soon after his death it was determined that a national memorial be created to recognise the British public's deep sense of loss.
Influenced by the series of 13th Century 'Eleanor Crosses' (Charing Cross perhaps being the most famous) and other statues in Edinburgh and Manchester, the Albert Memorial in Kensington Gardens is one of the grandest high-Victorian gothic extravaganzas anywhere.
Officially titled the 'Prince Consort National Memorial', it celebrates Victorian achievement and Prince Albert's passions and interests. Marble figures representing Europe, Asia, Africa and America stand at each corner of the memorial, and higher up are further figures representing manufacture, commerce, agriculture and engineering. Yet further up, near the top, are gilded bronze statues of the angels and virtues.
All around the base of the memorial the Parnassus frieze depicts celebrated painters, poets sculptors, musicians and architects, reflecting Albert's enthusiasm for the arts.
There are 187 exqusitely carved figures in the frieze, and the tour gives you exclusive access inside the memorial railings, so you can appreciate the craftsmanship up close.
Learn more about this fantastic monument by taking a guided tour.
Tour information
Public tours
14.00 and 15.00 hours every first Sunday of the month from March to December. Tours cost £4.50, concessions (inc English Heritage members) £4.00. (There is no need to book unless you are a group).
Group tours
Groups of up to 15 can be accommodated on the standard public tour (see above) by prior arrangement. Groups can also be given their own exclusive tour at almost any time during park opening hours. Exclusive tours cost £135 for a group of any size up to 25 people.
Please make your group booking in advance by calling +44 (0)20 7495 0916.
Payment
Most people pay the guide on the day, just before the tour starts. You may also pay by credit card (Visa/Mastercard/Eurocard) by calling +44 (0)20 7495 0916. Credit card bookings are subject to a 3% handling charge.
General information
All tours last 45-50 minutes. Please meet directly in front of the memorial, on the side closest to the road and the Albert Hall.
DID YOU KNOW...German bomber and Zeppelin pilots used to use the Memorial as a landmark in the First World War?
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