History of Saint Albans, Hertfordshire, England

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 ... Read MORE...

1539 - The Abbey in St Albans was dissolved on Dec. 5th by King Henry VIII.

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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.

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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.
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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.

findagrave.com

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.

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1878 - Bishop denounces cremation
The Bishop of St. Albans, England, denounces cremation. He considers it, apparently, as a double punishment to sinners.
The Daily Picayune
New Orleans, Louisiana
September 22, 1878

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
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

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
Jackson Daily Citizen
Jackson, Michigan
November 8, 1899

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.
The Butte Inter Mountain
Butte, Montana
December 19, 1902

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.... Read MORE...

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 ... Read MORE...