The Albert medal was instituted on the 7 March 1866.
The medal was named in memory of the Prince consort who died in 1861 and was originally set up for saving life at sea. An ammendment in 1867 created two classes. The original medal had a ribbon 16mm wide with 2 white stripes. When the two classes were introduced, this changed to 35mm wide with 4 stripes with te first class having gold stripes.
In 1877 the medal was extended to cover saving life on land and from this point there are two medals with diffrent inscriptions to depict which they were awarded for.
In 1917 the title of the medals changed. The first class becoming the Albert medal in gold and the second class being known as just the Albert medal.
In 1949 the medal in gold was abolished, being replaced by the George Cross and from this point the Albert medal (second class) was only awarded posthumously. In 1971 the award of the medal ceased and reciepents were invited to excange the award for the George Cross. From the total of 64 eligible to exchange, 49 took up the option.
The medal was made of gold, (early examples are gold and bronze), which was enameld blue.
