Saint Albans

Saint Albans is a city located in the South of Hertfordshire, England, around 22 miles north of London. The city has a thriving cultural life, with regular concerts and theatre productions held at various different venues as well as regular productions at The Sandpit Theatre. Amongst the many historical sites located throughout the town are the remains of a Roman Wall and an impressive Cathedral and Abbey Church.

The mixed character of St Albans as well as the close location to London has made the town a popular filming location. Particularly for TV shows such as Inspector Morse and Porridge, as well as the films Birthday Girl and Johnny English.

 

There are a number of great shops in Saint Albans, including many quirky independent shops where you can pick up various souvenirs of your visit. The town is easy to access, being located near the M1 and M10 motorways, as well as having its own railway station.

St Albans Cathedral, Sumpter Yard, Holywell Hill, St Albans AL1 1BY (01727) 860780
Building began on St Albans’ current Cathedral a decade after the Battle of Hastings. Yet within its walls are Roman bricks; and it is from this period that the town of St Albans gets its name.
Alban, a Roman citizen, became the first martyr when giving his life for his Christian faith. St Albans Cathedral marks the spot where he died over 1,700 years ago.

Museum of St Albans, Hatfield Road, St Albans AL1 3RR (01727) 819340
Founded in the late 19th Century, the Museum of St Albans has built up a fine collection of artefacts stretching from Roman times to the present day.

Highlights of the collection include a 14th Century pilgrim’s badge, a Funerary Helmet that belonged to Sir Richard Lee, a 16th Century soldier and military engineer, and a 15th Century medieval leather shoe.