ALBERT MEMORIAL TOURS

Queen Victoria married Albert, son of the Duke of Saxe-Coberg-Gotha, in 1840. Albert's talent, prodigious energy and enthusiasm for art, science, politics and social issues gained him eminent positions in a number of organisations, including Chancellor of Cambridge University in 1847, but his most widely recognised achievement was the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park in 1851, after which he was made Prince Consort in 1857, at the Queen's request.

In 1861 Prince Albert died of typhoid fever, aged just 42. Soon after his tragic death, it was determined that a national memorial should be created, to demonstrate the British public's strong sense of national loss and sorrow.

The Albert Memorial, completed in 1876, was designed by George Gilbert Scott. Prince Albert sits in the centre of the 200 ft/61 metre high memorial, amid symbolic imagery relfecting his interests - the arts and sciences - and also moral virtues and religion. The principal materials of the monument are Campanella marble, granite, glass mosaic, limestone, sandstone, semi-precious stones and gold leaf. All have recently been restored under the supervision of English Heritage, at a cost of £11 million.

The Royal Parks Agency, which manages the eight Royal Parks in and around London has assumed control of the Memorial since its re-opening.

On behalf of The Royal Parks, Blue Badge guides give tours of the Albert Memorial at 14.00 and 15.00 on the first Sunday of every month.

The tours, arranged by Tour Guides Ltd., last approximately 50 minutes and cost £4.50 for adults, £4.00 for concessions and English Heritage members. More info on the Tour Guides site.

At other times, group tours may be arranged on request.

The Albert Memorial is located in Kensington Gardens, opposite the Royal Albert Hall.

Buses:

• Bayswater Road: 12, 88
• Kensington Road: 9, 10, 33, 49, 52, 52a, C1

Underground:

• Central line to Queensway or Lancaster Gate
• District/Circle line to High Street Kensington or South Kensington

Meet at the front of the Memorial.