St Albans Cathedral
On a wet and cold autumn day we set out to visit St. Albans in Hertfordshire.
The famous St Albans Cathedral had been on our must-see list for a while.
Officially the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban but often referred to locally as “the Abbey”.
The Shrine of St Alban was the reason for the Abbey’s foundation and the town that grew up around it.
The Abbey closed in December 1539 and unfortunately most of the buildings were destroyed.
The shrines of St Alban and St Amphibalus were demolished and Alban’s relics disappeared.
In 1553, the people of St Albans bought the church for their own use and in 1877 it became a cathedral.
Highlights
The Shrine of Britain’s first saint, contrasting architectural styles, spectacular stained glass and more await you at St Albans Cathedral.
Saint Alban is known as Britain’s first saint and was buried on this site 1700 years ago. There has probably been a shrine here since then.
A new shrine was built in 1308 but was destroyed when the Abbey was closed down in 1539. Pieces from this shrine were used to restore the shrine in 1872 and again in 1993.
At 85 metres, the Cathedral has the longest Nave in England. The pillars in the Nave are decorated with stunning medieval wall paintings.
Do not forget to admire the stained-glass windows, including the magnificent Rose Window.
And it is said that the Alban Bun, the precursor to the famous Hot Cross Bun, originates in St Albans where a 14th Century monk developed the original recipe.
Walking
St Albans Cathedral has launched a new 35 mile walking route, starting from St Paul’s Cathedral in London and finishing at St Albans Cathedral.
The 35-mile walk is split up into 5 stages, so you can walk one section or more at a time that suits you. The route takes in historic landmarks and serene landscapes.
If you are short on time, then you can enjoy a short 3-mile city walk which takes in the city’s ancients churches.
Cool Places to Eat: Bill’s St Albans.
