St. Albans Cathedral - St. Albans, Hertfordshire
Named for the first British Christian martyr, this abbey church is the second largest in England, after Winchester. The north transept stands on the traditional spot where Alban was executed in 305 for refusing to participate in a pagan sacrifice.
Britain's First Christian Martyr
Alban was a pagan living in the Roman city of Verulamium, where St Albans is now, in Hertfordshire, England. Before Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire, local Christians were being persecuted by the Romans. Alban sheltered their priest, Saint Amphibalus, in his home and was converted to the Christian faith by him. When the soldiers came to Alban's house looking for the priest, Alban exchanged cloaks with the priest and let himself be arrested in his stead. Alban was taken before the magistrate, where he avowed his new Christian faith and was condemned for it. He was beheaded, according to legend, on the spot where the cathedral named for him now stands.
The Cathedral is constructed from the ruins of a Roman city and boasts the longest nave in Britain. It also has some fine Norman architecture, and retains numerous 13th and 14th century wall paintings.
Getting there
St Albans Cathedral makes an easy day trip from London.
By train from London, take the train from King's Cross St. Pancras in the direction of Bedford. The journey takes about 25 minutes.
By car, St Albans is just five minutes outside the M25 and midway between the two main routes to the Midlands and the North - the M1 and A1(M).
Visit St. Albans Cathedral
If you are planning to visit St. Albans (Roman Verulamium) or St. Albans Cathedral, why not stay at Coltsfoot Country Retreat in one of luxurious suites. Overnight accommodation including breakfast, starts from just £99. Check availability online or call us on 01438 212800 for our latest offers and room availability.
Further Information about St. Albans Cathedral
For further information about St. Albans Cathedral:
Address: Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban, St Albans, Hertfordshire, UK, AL1 1BY
Email: mail@stalbanscathedral.org.uk
Website: http://www.stalbanscathedral.org.uk/index1.htm
There is also some great historical facts and information about St. Albans on Wikipedia
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