St. Albans former Abbey, now Cathedral, Hertfordshire, England.
Commentary.
St. Albans is an ancient settlement dating back at least
3,000 years to the Iron Age.
When the Romans invaded this realm in A.D. 43
they established several key military strongholds
in the south-east, including Colchester, London and St. Albans,
or as they named it, Verulamium.
It stands on a river-terrace above the River Ver.
Even after Roman occupation St. Albans became
an important religious centre with the founding of the Benedictine
Abbey of St. Albans.
Alban is said to have lived in the town in the 3rd. or 4th. Century.
Christianity was being persecuted at that time.
Alban took the place of a Priest in refusing to
abandon his Christian faith.
As a result, he was executed but was ultimately
given his Sainthood for his sacrifice and example.
The medieval abbey was given Cathedral status in 1877.
Before the 20th. Century, St. Albans was looked upon
as a small rural backwater.
During the Inter-War years, it developed a successful
local Electronics industry.
In recent times, being near to London
and with its considerable historical relics,
it has become very popular with tourists,
looking for an interesting, provincial Market Town to visit.
St. Albans former Abbey, now Cathedral, Hertfordshire, England.
Commentary.
St. Albans is an ancient settlement dating back at least
3,000 years to the Iron Age.
When the Romans invaded this realm in A.D. 43
they established several key military strongholds
in the south-east, including Colchester, London and St. Albans,
or as they named it, Verulamium.
It stands on a river-terrace above the River Ver.
Even after Roman occupation St. Albans became
an important religious centre with the founding of the Benedictine
Abbey of St. Albans.
Alban is said to have lived in the town in the 3rd. or 4th. Century.
Christianity was being persecuted at that time.
Alban took the place of a Priest in refusing to
abandon his Christian faith.
As a result, he was executed but was ultimately
given his Sainthood for his sacrifice and example.
The medieval abbey was given Cathedral status in 1877.
Before the 20th. Century, St. Albans was looked upon
as a small rural backwater.
During the Inter-War years, it developed a successful
local Electronics industry.
In recent times, being near to London
and with its considerable historical relics,
it has become very popular with tourists,
looking for an interesting, provincial Market Town to visit.