St Albans Abbey from the St Albans & Harpenden Review

St Albans Abbey

St Albans Abbey is the jewel in the historical crown of St Albans.

THE city's magnificent Abbey Church dominates the city's skyline on every main approach. Its architecture is a blend of many different periods, and its great tower includes Roman bricks salvaged from the ruins of Verulamium.

It is best known for the shrine of St Alban - Britain's first Christian martyr, which attracted pilgrims from far and wide and contributed to the growth of the city. The Norman church replaced the Saxon monastery and the Victorian restoration began in 1832.

Though controversial, Lord Grimthorpes restoration works in the 1880's ensured the Cathedral's survival.

Today, the Cathedral is a busy centre for church, cultural and civic events and is the mother church of the Diocese of St Albans serving Bedfordshire, Luton, Hertfordshire and part of the London Borough of Barnet.

Cathedral facilities include a visitor centre and refectory, guided tours, induction loop, braille guides and special toilets for the disabled.

• Open: 08.30 - 17.45 daily.

• Telephone: (01727) 860780

• Email: mail@stalbanscathedral.org.uk

• Website: www.stalbanscathedral.org.uk

Abbey Gateway - The Abbey Gateway is the only building that remains of the Abbey of St Albans. Built in 1365, it was used for many years as a prison. It was the Liberty Gaol until 1868 and now forms part of St Albans school.