This 180ft Victorian bronze gilt statue in Kensington Gardens is a tribute to Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, and was erected following his death through typhoid at the age of 42. The Albert Memorial accurately captures a royal love story that, like the statue, has stood the test of time. The Queen's grief, and that of her public, was directed at the monument which reflected both the Prince's various public passions and Victorian achievements of the time. Designed by Sir Gilbert Scott in 1872 this tribute to the Prince Consort was unveiled by Queen Victoria in 1876. Each pillar took eight men about 20 weeks to finish and polish, and the Albert Memorial was noted at the time of its completion as being one of the most costly works in granite of the period. Now a beacon, shimmering in bronze gilt, the highly ostentatious, high-Victorian gothic statue presides over Kensington Gardens, facing the Royal Albert Hall another architectural tribute to the royal consort. Visitors can walk around the memorial for free or try and join one of the guided tours. Tours take place at 2pm and 3pm on the first Sunday of the month from March to December. There is no need to book.
Best for: Gold, gold and more gold, Kensington Gardens, Gilbert Scott and Victoriana.
(Image: Sculpture On Albert Memorial)
What's on at
Albert Memorial
Albert Memorial Tours 1st March 2009 - 31st December 2010 On the first Sunday of the month from March to...
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
The Park Manager, The Ranger's Lodge, W2 2UH
Central, sporty park and pretty gardens.
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Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
The Park Manager, The Ranger's Lodge, W2 2UH
Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical... More
Albert Memorial
Kensington Gardens (opposite Royal Albert Hall), W2 2UH
This garish tribute to Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, was erected following his death and exists as... More
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The Park Manager,
The Ranger's Lodge,Mayfair,
London,
W2Map
14 minutes walk from Albert Memorial
Central, sporty park.
Technically two different parks, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are in practical and historical terms one huge, merging expanse. Almost every kind ... More
Private members club with a regular pack of paparazzi parked outside waiting for royals to exit after one too many vodka red bulls. Its popularity ...More
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