St Albans - Abbey Church

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Abbey Church Description

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

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Hobbies & Activities category: Architecture - Medieval; Decorative arts display; Christian sites

Abbey Church Highlights

Abbey Church Monk's Chancel

The monks' chancel is roofed by ribbed vaulting, which features painted ornamental stucco dating from 1461. The altar wall contains many statues and forms the eastern end of the chancel. It dates

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Abbey Church Saint's Chapel

Behind the altar wall of St Albans' Abbey Church is the Saint's Chapel (about 1315), which houses the tomb of St Alban. It was reconstructed between 1872 and 1875 from old fragments and its

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Address

The Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban
Sumpter Yard
St Albans AL1 1BY
United Kingdom

http://www.stalbanscathedral.org.uk

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