St Albans thriving market town is best known for its Cathedral, an outstanding example of medieval architecture. It was begun in 793, when King Offa of Mercia founded the abbey in honour of St Alban, Britain’s first Christian martyr, put to death by the Romans in the 3^rd century. The oldest parts, which still stand, were first built in 1077 and are easily recognizable as a Norman by the round-headed arches and windows. They form part of the 84-m nave-the longest in England. It was the Cathedral that the English barons drafted the Magna Carta document, which King John was then forced to sign.

Wherever you walk, the city is packed with reminders of its rich heritage. The stunning Norman Cathedral built using Roman bricks and the unique Medieval Clock Tower, in the city centre dating back to 1405. The Charter Market retains the lively spirit it exuded 1,000 years ago whilst pubs, shops and restaurants bring beautiful period buildings back to life.

St Albans Museum + Gallery celebrates the city’s 2,000 years of history through displays, artworks and installations, while traces of Roman history are all around. Verulamium Museum displays incredible ancient artefacts, and a mosaic from a Roman villa has survived and can be seen in Verulamium Park, along with parts of the Roman city wall.

Famous residents, in the world of science, include Sir Francis Bacon who was made Viscount St Albans and is believed to buried in St Michael’s Church, while Professor Stephen Hawking attended St Albans School, one of the oldest public schools in the world.