St Albans - Abbey Church

The cathedral (abbey church) of St Albans stands south of the market place. It formed part of the Benedictine abbey founded by Offa, and, following the abbey's secularization, became the parish church in 1539. Built between 1077 and 1088, the originally Norman construction was subsequently extended several times. The western part of the nave was increased between 1214 and 1235, while the monks' chancel was added between 1235 and 1260, and the Lady Chapel between 1308 and 1326. The west front was built by John Grimthorpe from 1879-1884, as was the facade of the transept. Only the tower now remains of the original Norman building. With a total length of 556ft/168m, St Albans Cathedral is only surpassed in size by Winchester Cathedral. The variety of elements of style found within the cathedral is striking. Immediately inside the west entrance there are a few bays in the Early English style. On the south side of the nave there are five more bays, built after a collapse in 1323. Remains of 13th/14th century frescoes, including a notable depiction of the crucifixion scene (about 1220), can be seen on the Norman columns flanking the north side. A beautiful wooden coffered ceiling spans the lay chancel, which is separated from the nave by a rood-screen (about 1350). The ceiling of the crossing is decorated with a painting dating from 1951/52, a copy of the medieval original, whose red and white roses are reminders of the War of the Roses. The large gatehouse (1361) on the south wall is all that remains of the former monastery. The southern section of the transept still contains Saxon balustrades, which were partially lengthened during the Roman occupation.