Historical buildings and stately homes

Still present in this magnificent city are remnants from the past, preserved for you to enjoy.

• Gorhambury House

Seat of the Earl of Verulam, Gorhambury was built in the late 18th century by the architect Robert Taylor.

The present house replaced the old Gorhambury House built in the 16th century and the home of Francis Bacon, the philosopher and a writer. Its ruins stand nearby.

The present house contains a fine collection of family photographs.

Facilities include a bookstall.

Open: 14.00 - 17.00 hrs Thursday only, May to September.

Telephone: (01727) 854051

• Kingsbury Watermill

Close to Verulamium Park is the Kingsbury Watermill.

Once the Abbot's malt mill, the present building was constructed in the 16th century.

It's beautifully restored wheel churns the water of the River Ver and visitors can see the milling machine and a selection of farming implements.

Facilities include a restaurant, gift shop, toilets and car parking.

Open: Please contact for details.

Telephone: (01727) 853502

Website: www.kingsburywatermill.co.uk

• St Albans Clock Tower

Built between 1403 and 1412 the Clock Tower is one of only two medieval belfries in England.

Giving fine views of the Abbey, Roman Verulamium and the City, the tower with its fine bell has survived almost 600 years of use.

The Clock Tower was a political statement, enabling the town to sounds its own hours, and, until 1863, the Curfew.

It also gave the alarm in case of "fire or fray" - its bell rang out for the first battle of St Albans during the War of the Roses in 1455.

The Clock Tower is owned by the District Council. It is opened by volunteers of the joint Clock Tower Committee of the St Albans Civic Society and the St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural and Archaeological Society.

Open: 10.30 - 17.00hrs Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from Easter to October.

Telephone: (01727) 751826

Website: www.stalbansmuseums.org