THE ALBERT MEMORIAL

The Albert Memorial in Hyde Park,
Newly restored and lit up in the dark,
Is a wonder that defies description.
Built entirely by public subscription,
Ordinary folk, I’m pleased to report,
Rose to the challenge. A popular sort,
Among the people, was the Prince. Anywhere
You care to look you will find an Albert Square,
An Albert Terrace. They are everywhere.

Over one hundred and twenty thousand pounds
The Memorial cost. The figure astounds.

It stands on the southern edge of the grounds
Of Kensington Gardens, west of the Park –
A fine revivalist Gothic landmark.
The edifice took ten years to complete.
Some one hundred and seventy-six feet
It measures in height, a single gold cross
At its apex. I’m almost at a loss
To know where to begin: the canopy,
Studded with figures from allegory,
The four arts (architecture, poetry,
Painting and sculpture) in fine mosaic;
Below its cornice (nothing prosaic),
The inscribed legend of dedication,
The heartfelt gratitude of the nation:
“From Queen Victoria and her People”.

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