This elaborated memorial to the Prince Consort was completed in 1876, 15 years after Albert's death.

The beloved husband and consort of Queen Victoria, Albert died of typhoid at the age of 41. The royal couple had been happily married for 21 years and had nine children.

The desolate Queen commissioned Sir George Gilbert Scott to design a tribute to her husband.

Standing 175 feet (55 metres) high, the memorial is loosely based on a medieval market cross, with a black and gilded spire and a multi-coloured marble canopy, mosaics, enamels and wrought iron.

At the centre is a larger than life glided statue of Prince Albert holding a copy of the catalogue of the 1851 Great Exhibition. A superbly crafted marble frieze around the base depicts 168 leading artistic and literary figures from history.

The steps around the memorial are guarded by four groups symbolizing Europe, Africa, America and Asia. In the corners are Commerce, Manufacturing, Agriculture and Engineering.

By the end of the 20th century the Albert Memorial was seriously in need of repair. Between 1994 - 98 English Heritage undertook a £11 million restoration programme. This included the re-gilding of Albert's statue, the original gilding was removed during World War I, and the replacement of lost details in the statuary and mosaics to preserve their meaning.

The memorial, returned its gleaming, original, splendour, was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II in October 1998.

Guided tours, which allow visitors to examine the memorial in closer detail, can be booked on 020 7495 0916.

Admission charge for guided tours

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