St Albans (United Kingdom)

St Albans is a city and unparished area in southern Hertfordshire, England, around 19 miles (31 km) north of central London. It forms the main urban area of the City and District of St Albans. It was the first major town on the old Roman road of Watling Street for travellers heading north and became the Roman city of Verulamium.

Todays Cathedral of St Albans was founded as an abby in the year 793 to remember the first martyr of England, the roman soldier Alban (Alban of England). During the middle ages it was one of the richest and most powerful abbeys of the island. Construction of todays long house was started under abbot Paul between 1077 and 1088. It was however only consecrated in 1115. The layout of the abbey features the notably ling nave and choir. This was completely unknown on the continent and became the future main characteristics of english churches and cathedrals.