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ON 20 MAY 1867, over 7,000 people watched Queen Victoria use a golden trowel to lay the foundation stone of the Royal Albert Hall – on top of a glass time-capsule containing an inscription and gold and silver coins. This was followed by a 21-gun salute, while a trumpet fanfare echoed around the crowd.In the 150 years since that dramatic start, the Hall has born witness to many more dramas – and perhaps even a few ghosts.Exciting tours (all of which take in the auditorium) now allow visitors to learn more about this iconic building – and there are special discounts for groups. The popular Grand Tour is the perfect introduction and tells the story of the building’s history, from Prince Albert’s vision of a central hall celebrating the arts and sciences to its current standing as one of the world’s most famous venues, via Einstein and the BBC Proms.For something a little different, try the Secret History Tour, which reveals the hidden life of the Hall. On it you’ll learn about swindlers, ghost-hunters and gangsters, Miss World, a séance and a WW1 research project. Or you could try the Art and Interior Design Tour or the Story of the Proms Tour. And why not combine your tour with a delicious Royal Albert Hall afternoon tea or lunch? Tickets for groups start at £7.75pp (usually £13.75), with eligibility for pre-booked food, discount in the gift shop and free welcome drink for the organiser (for the Grand Tour, the group rate is £9.75pp, or £8.00pp for first-time bookers). Tours last approximately an hour. www.royalalberthall.com/tours 020 7589 8212THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL UP CLOSE62ROYAL ALBERT HALL