Her Majesty assented; but then another difficulty arose.

It was found that not more than L60,000 had been subscribed--a sum insufficient to defray the double expense.
The Hall, therefore, was abandoned; a statue alone was to be erected; and certain eminent architects were asked to prepare designs.

Eventually the committee had at their disposal a total sum of L120,000, since the public subscribed another L10,000, while L50,000 was voted by Parliament.

Some years later a joint stock company was formed and built, as a private speculation, the Albert Hall.
The architect whose design was selected, both by the committee and by the Queen, was Mr.Gilbert Scott, whose industry, conscientiousness, and genuine piety had brought him to the head of his profession.
His lifelong zeal for the Gothic style having given him a special prominence, his handiwork was strikingly visible, not only in a multitude of original buildings, but in most of the cathedrals of England.

Protests, indeed, were occasionally raised against his renovations; but Mr.Scott replied with such vigour and unction in articles and pamphlets that not a Dean was unconvinced, and he was permitted to continue his labours without interruption.