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Archaeology, Sites to See

St Albans Abbey

St Albans Abbey. Although the Abbey Church (traditionally founded by King Offa in the 8th century) and the gatehouse form the principal remains that are visible today, the entire Abbey site, stretching down the hill towards the River Ver, forms one of the principal archaeological sites of the county. Parts of the Abbey site have been excavated, most notably the areas of the former Chapter House, (now the new Visitor Centre), and within the claustral area on the south side of the Abbey Church. These excavations have revealed that the abbey was built on the site of a late Roman cemetery, and it is therefore likely, as tradition had it, to be on the site of St Alban’s martyrdom and burial. Well-preserved remains of the massive Norman and later religious house, which became the premier abbey of medieval England, have also been recovered from the excavations and it is likely that further extensive remains may exist over the whole site.

The abbey and cathedral church of St Albans is situated in the centre of the city. Grid reference TL 1450 0705.

Map showing St Albans Abbey