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History of Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England
Journey back in time to Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Saint Albans
Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England
Saint Albans is a historic city located in Hertfordshire, England. It is situated approximately 20 miles northwest of central London. The city has a rich history dating back to Roman times, making it one of the oldest settlements in the country.
Saint Albans, known as Verulamium during Roman times, was a significant Roman settlement. It was named after the British saint, Saint Alban, who was the first Christian martyr in Britain. He was executed in the early 4th century for sheltering a Christian priest and subsequently became a revered figure.
The city is home to St Albans Cathedral, which is a prominent landmark and an important religious site in England. The cathedral's construction began in the 11th century and showcases stunning medieval architecture. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Alban and is renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows and its Great Gateway, which is the largest medieval gateway in England.
Aside from the cathedral, Saint Albans boasts a variety of other historical landmarks and buildings, including the Clock Tower, built in the 15th century, which serves as a symbol of the city. The city's High Street is also lined with charming medieval and Georgian buildings, creating a unique and picturesque atmosphere.
Saint Albans is a historic city located in Hertfordshire, England. It is situated approximately 20 miles northwest of central London. The city has a rich history dating back to Roman times, making it one of the oldest settlements in the country.
Saint Albans, known as Verulamium during Roman times, was a significant Roman settlement. It was named after the British saint, Saint Alban, who was the first Christian martyr in Britain. He was executed in the early 4th century for sheltering a Christian priest and subsequently became a revered figure.
The city is home to St Albans Cathedral, which is a prominent landmark and an important religious site in England. The cathedral's construction began in the 11th century and showcases stunning medieval architecture. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Alban and is renowned for its beautiful stained glass windows and its Great Gateway, which is the largest medieval gateway in England.
Aside from the cathedral, Saint Albans boasts a variety of other historical landmarks and buildings, including the Clock Tower, built in the 15th century, which serves as a symbol of the city. The city's High Street is also lined with charming medieval and Georgian buildings, creating a unique and picturesque atmosphere.
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VINTAGE SAINT ALBANS
Saint Albans Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England
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The Clock Tower
Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England
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Ye Olde Fighting Cocks Inn
Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England
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South West Front, St Albans Abbey
Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England
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St Albans Abbey
Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England
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St Albans, The Clock Tower
Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England
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The Market, St. Albans
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Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England
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St. Albans, St. Michael's Bridge
Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England
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The River Ver, St. Albans
Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England
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Street view showing Clock Tower and Abbey
Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England
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Sopwell Nunnery, St. Albans
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OPTIONAL EXTRAS
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ENGLAND in My Roots: Ancestral Heritage Mug
"My ancestors came from England. That explains a lot about my love for cricket, afternoon tea, and the royal family!"
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Saint Albans: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Saint Albans through the years.
History
During the Wars of the Roses two battles were fought in and around St Albans. The First Battle of St Albans on 22 May 1455 was a Lancastrian defeat that opened the war. The Lancastrian army occupied the town but the Yorkist forces broke in and a battle took place in the streets of the town. On 17 February 1461 the Second Battle of St Albans on Bernards Heath north of the town centre resulted in a Lancastrian victory.
Following the Reformation, the Abbey was dissolved in 1539 and the Abbey Church sold to the town in 1553 for £400: it became a Protestant parish church for the borough and the Lady Chapel was used as a school. The Great Gatehouse was used as a prison until the 19th century, when it was taken over by St Albans School. In May 1553, in response to a public petition, the first royal charter for the town was issued by King Edward VI, granting it the status of borough. The charter defined the powers of the mayor and councillors, then known as burgesses, as well as specifying ...
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Following the Reformation, the Abbey was dissolved in 1539 and the Abbey Church sold to the town in 1553 for £400: it became a Protestant parish church for the borough and the Lady Chapel was used as a school. The Great Gatehouse was used as a prison until the 19th century, when it was taken over by St Albans School. In May 1553, in response to a public petition, the first royal charter for the town was issued by King Edward VI, granting it the status of borough. The charter defined the powers of the mayor and councillors, then known as burgesses, as well as specifying ...
1539 - The Abbey in St Albans was dissolved on Dec. 5th by King Henry VIII.
1553 - St Albans - King Edward VI granted a charter to the town by which it became a Borough with a Mayor and Corporation. The King sold the Abbey Church to the town for £400.
1555 - George Tankerfield Execution
St Albans - George Tankerfield, a protestant Yorkshire baker was brought from London and burnt to death on Romeland - as an example to others.
www.enjoystalbans.com/ more/ history-of-St-Albans/ index.html
Yorkshire baker who was victim of Queen Mary's persecution of Protestants. Taken from London to be burnt at St. Albans as an 'encouragement to the rest.'
A stone commemorating this event is located at Romeland, St Albans, Hertfordshire, England.
www.enjoystalbans.com/ more/ history-of-St-Albans/ index.html
Yorkshire baker who was victim of Queen Mary's persecution of Protestants. Taken from London to be burnt at St. Albans as an 'encouragement to the rest.'
A stone commemorating this event is located at Romeland, St Albans, Hertfordshire, England.
1643 - The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Arrested
St Albans - The High Sheriff of Hertfordshire was arrested by Captain Oliver Cromwell after he had unwisely read a Royal Proclamation, from the steps of the Eleanor Cross. Later that year the town was the headquarters of the Earl of Essex's Parliamentary Army.
1878 - Bishop denounces cremation
The Bishop of St. Albans, England, denounces cremation. He considers it, apparently, as a double punishment to sinners.
1895 - St Albans
Saint Albans, sent awl'bonz, a city of England, co. of Hertford, at a railway junction, 20 miles N.W. of Lon don. The borough comprises the site of the ancient town of Verulam, supposed to have been founded by the Britons before London. In the vicinity was an ancient abbey of Benedictines, now restored and made one of the finest cathedral churches in England. St. Albans became a bishop's see in 1875. Pop. (1891) 12,898
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1899 - Rebuilt After the Flood
It is claimed for a building near St. Albans, England, that it is the oldest inhabited house in that country. A part of it, at any rate, is more than 1,000 years old. This is the foundation, which was built by King Offa. The structure was originally used as a fishing lodge of the monks of the abbey of St. Albans, of which monastery it formed a part. It was situated on the banks of an immense fish pond near St. Albans belonging to the royal palace of Kingsbury, of which little but the name now remains. The present building resting upon these ancient foundations was probably erected during the fifteenth century. It has possessed several names and is at present known as the "Fighting Cocks." There is a wooden tablet on the front wall setting forth that it is "The oldeste inhabited house in England." But this, though enough to satisfy and reasonable being, is feeble when compared with a former sign which ran: "The Old Round House: Rebuilt after the flood." - Chicago Chronicle
1902 - HE THINKS THEY WENT VERY CHEAP. MAPLE IS DISAPPOINTED AT THE PRICES BROUGHT AT THE SALE OF HIS FINE STOCK.
New York, Dec. 19 - Brood mares and yearling fillies, bred at the Chilwick stud, Saint Albans, England, owned by Sir John Blundell Maple, M.P., were auctioned off here at the American exchange last night.
Sir John Maple, whose racing establishment has an international reputation heretofore, has held his annual sales in Paris.
The thirteen head offered brought $14,275.
John F. Fanning, who brought the horses over and managed the sale, said he was greatly disappointed by the result of the sale.
Sir John Maple, whose racing establishment has an international reputation heretofore, has held his annual sales in Paris.
The thirteen head offered brought $14,275.
John F. Fanning, who brought the horses over and managed the sale, said he was greatly disappointed by the result of the sale.
1906
Saint Albans, a city and municipal borough of England, in Hertfordhire, 20 miles NW. of London. It is on the site of the Roman Verulamium, one of the oldest towns in Britain. The modern town grew up about the Benedictine abbey founded at the close of the eighth century, which roes to be one of the most important in the kingdom. The abbey church, a fine cruciform structure, recently restored and raised to the rank of a cathedral, is 550 feet in length, having the longest Gothic nave in the world. It has a fine Norman tower and some beautiful stained glass. Of of the conventual buildings of the abbey the gate alone remains. St. Michael's church contains the tomb of Lord Bacon, who was Baron Verulam and Viscount St. Albans. The town has been the seat of the bishop since 1877. Straw-plaiting and the manufacture of silk are carried on. At St. Albans, in 1455, was fought the first battle of the War of the Roses, resulting in a Yorkist victory. The Lancastrians were victorious here in 1461....
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Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Saint Albans:
St. Albans Cathedral:
Start your visit with the stunning St. Albans Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban. This medieval masterpiece is known for its architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and historical significance.
Verulamium Park:
Adjacent to the cathedral, Verulamium Park is a beautiful green space with a lake, walking paths, and plenty of opportunities for picnicking. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing afternoon.
Verulamium Museum:
Learn about the city's Roman history at the Verulamium Museum. It houses a fascinating collection of artifacts from the Roman town of Verulamium, including mosaics and pottery.
Gorhambury Estate:
Explore the stunning Gorhambury Estate, which features historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and a deer park. The Jacobean mansion, Gorhambury House, is a highlight of the estate and offers guided tours during certain times of the year.
Fishpool Street:
Take a walk along Fishpool ...
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Start your visit with the stunning St. Albans Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban. This medieval masterpiece is known for its architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and historical significance.
Verulamium Park:
Adjacent to the cathedral, Verulamium Park is a beautiful green space with a lake, walking paths, and plenty of opportunities for picnicking. It's perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing afternoon.
Verulamium Museum:
Learn about the city's Roman history at the Verulamium Museum. It houses a fascinating collection of artifacts from the Roman town of Verulamium, including mosaics and pottery.
Gorhambury Estate:
Explore the stunning Gorhambury Estate, which features historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and a deer park. The Jacobean mansion, Gorhambury House, is a highlight of the estate and offers guided tours during certain times of the year.
Fishpool Street:
Take a walk along Fishpool ...
GENEALOGY IN SAINT ALBANS
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Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England
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Updated: 9/15/2023 2:27:55 PM
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