St Albans Abbey - During the third century a resident of Verulamium called Alban sheltered a Christian priest named Amphibalus. Amphibalus was quickly converted to Christianity by him. When Roman soldiers came looking for the priest, Alban exchanged cloaks with him and was arrested as the priest escaped. When discovered, Alban refused to denounce Christianity and was beheaded on the spot where St Albans Cathedral now stands.

After the Roman army had departed, Verulamium declined and fell into decay. It wasn't until 793 AD that an Abbey appeared on the spot of Alban's execution and over the ensuing years a Saxon settlement grew up around it, much of which was built using the remains of the Roman Verulamium.

Today the Cathedral and Abbey Church of Saint Alban has a magnificent interior that includes a shrine of St Alban and wonderful nave. Nearby is the Great Gateway of the Monastery dating back to 1360. Once used as a prison it is now part of St Albans school.