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St Albans Cathedral is in St Albans, Hertfordshire [Map], Cathedrals in England.
See: Choir, St Albans Cathedral, Lady Chapel, St Albans Cathedral, North Transept, St Albans Cathedral, St Alban's Shrine, St Albans Cathedral.
War Memorial Chapel at St Albans Cathedral [Map].
Abbot John Whethamstede's Chronicle of the Abbey of St Albans.
Available at Amazon in paperback and Ebook.
Abbot John Whethamstede's Register aka Chronicle of his second term at the Abbey of St Albans [Map], 1452-1461, is a remarkable text that describes his first-hand experience of the beginning of the Wars of the Roses including the First and Second Battles of St Albans, 1455 and 1461, respectively, their cause, and their consequences, not least on the Abbey itself. His text also includes Loveday, Blore Heath, Northampton, the Act of Accord, Wakefield, and Towton, and ends with the Coronation of King Edward IV. In addition to the events of the Wars of the Roses, Abbot John, or his scribes who wrote the Chronicle, include details in the life of the Abbey such as charters, letters, land exchanges, visits by legates, and disputes, which provide a rich insight into the day-to-day life of the Abbey, and the challenges faced by its Abbot.
Flowers of History. 24th April 1071. Lanfranc (age 66), abbot of Caen, was consecrated archbishop of Canterbury, on the twenty-fourth of April. And this Lanfranc, when archbishop, established the order of monks according to the rule of Saint Benedict in many of the convents of England. And he did so, first of all, in the church of Canterbury; after that, in the church of Saint Alban [Map], the protomartyr of the English, where also, when the abbot Frederic died, he appointed his [Lanfranc's] nephew Paul as his successor; who, relying on the support of his uncle, restored the church, and reformed the brotherhood, which had fallen into some irregularities.
Between 1076 and 1088 Robert de Todeni and his wife founded Belvoir Priory [Map] as a Priory of St Alban's Abbey [Map].
Chronica Majora. Before 24th June 1237. In the same year, the emperor Frederick (age 42), by special messengers and imperial letters, summoned all the great Christian princes of the world to assemble on the day of St. John the Baptist's nativity, at Vaucouleurs, which is on the confines, or near the confines, of the empire and the French kingdom, there to discuss some difficult matters concerning the empire as well as the kingdom. The king of France, as if entertaining suspicion of this conference, proceeded at the time fixed to the place appointed, attended by a large army, which he had assembled for the purpose, and thus set dreadful and pernicious example to others, inasmuch as he went to discuss matters of peace in the same way as he would to attack his enemies. The king of England (age 29) made reasonable excuses for not coming in person; but sent a peaceful embassy, consisting of some of the chief men of the kingdom; namely, Richard earl of Cornwall (age 28), his brother, with some other nobles, fit to manage a conference, under the guidance of the venerable archbishop of York (age 57) and the bishop of Ely, and other trustworthy persons selected for the purpose. The bishop of Winchester, although selected before all others, absolutely refused to go, and, not without reason, gave the following as the cause for excusing himself: "My lord king," said he "you lately laid a heavy complaint against me before the emperor, telling him that I, with some other nobles, disturbed your kingdom: whether you did this with justice, or unjustly, God knows; but I trust that I have saved my conscience in every respect. But if your words were now placed with confidence in my mouth and in your letters, and should declare that I was a familar and faithful friend of yours; all this would appear as contrary, and he would accuse both you and me of instability; and this would blacken your fame in a great degree. Therefore, because it would be manifestly to your dishonour, I will not go on any account." And in the opinion of many, this reply gave sufficient excuse for him. When all preparations had been made, and they were all ready to set sail on this journey, they were met by letters from the emperor, to say that he could not go to the conference then, as he had purposed; but that what he could not do then, should, by God's favour, be carried into effect on the Nativity of St. John the Baptist in the following year; and thus each and all of them returned without effecting anything. In this year, on the day of the Supper, the bishop of Hereford consecrated the holy unction in the church of St. Albans [Map]. About this time, too, John Scott (deceased), earl of Chester, closed his life about Whitsuntide, having been poisoned by the agency of his wife (age 19), the daughter of Llewellyn (age 65). The life of the bishop of Lincoln (age 69), too, was also attempted by the same means, and he was with difficulty recalled from the gates of death. In the same year, in the week before Whitsuntide, there fell storms of hail which exceeded the size of apples, killing the sheep; and they were followed by continued rain.
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At 85 metres, the longest nave in England. On 10 October 1323 two piers on the south side of the nave of St Albans Cathedral [Map] collapsed dragging down much of the roof and wrecking five bays. Mason Henry Wy undertook the rebuilding, matching the Early English style of the rest of the bays but adding distinctly 14th-century detailing and ornaments.
The West Doors at St Albans Cathedral [Map] once stood at the main entrance to the church at the far west end of the Nave. They date from the 1400s. The doors were opened wide for religious processions. For everyday use, monks and visiting pilgrims used the small door-within-a-door. Huge iron nails in a pattern hold together the layers of oak panelling. Wood was skilfully carved on the outer surface to create elegant decoration.
Chronicle of Gregory. 23rd February 1447. And uppon the Thursseday next folowynge he [Humphrey Lancaster 1st Duke Gloucester (age 56)] dyssesyd ande passyde out of this wrecchide and false trobely worlde. And he is buryde at Syn Albonys [Map].
After 22nd May 1455 Edmund Beaufort 1st or 2nd Duke of Somerset (deceased), Henry Percy 2nd Earl of Northumberland (deceased) and Thomas Clifford 8th Baron Clifford (deceased) were buried at St Albans Cathedral [Map].
St Albans Cathedral [Map]. Brasses to William and Margaret Strode, 1517, Mawde Harryes, 1537 and Agnes Skelton, 1604.
In 1613 Ralph Maynard (age 66) died. Memorial at St Albans Cathedral [Map]. a painted board setting forth in great detail the arms and particulars of Ralph Maynard of St. Albans, who died in 1613, and, below, those of his two wives Margery Rowlatt and Margery Seale. In the middle is the shield of Maynard. Above the shield is a helm with a crest of a hart. On the left the arms of Margery Rowlatt, Ralph Maynard's mother, who died 1547, are on a lozenge with the arms of Rowlatt. On the right the arms of Margery Seale, his second wife, who he married around 1535, who died 1619, are on a second lozenge. Above the lozenge is a crowned helm with the crest of a wolf's head argent bleeding at nose and mouth.
Ralph Maynard: In 1547 he was born to John Maynard.
On 3rd June 1665 Charles Maynard (age 30) died. Memorial at St Albans Cathedral [Map]: Near to this place lies the Body of Charles Maynard, Esq; with the Body of Mrs. Mary Maynard his dear Sister; he died the 3d of June 1665. in the 31th. Year of his Age. She died the 20th of Jan. 1663. in the 20th Year of her Age; who were Son and Daughter to Auditor Charles Maynard (age 67) of Waltham-stow in the County of Essex, Esq; who died the 19th of November, 1665, in the 67th Year of his Age, who lies interred at Euston with his Brother the Right Honourable William Lord Maynard Baron of Euston in Essex
Charles Maynard: On or after 11th February 1635 he was born to Charles Maynard and Mary Corsellis. In 1649 Charles Maynard was sued by the attorney-general, Edmund Prideaux, for retaining paperwork belonging to the defunct Court of Wards, allegedly with a view to personal gain. On 12th May 1665 Charles Maynard made his will on 12 May 1665, bequeathing sums totalling £2,100 to two of his younger children, the other having already been provided for.
Mary Maynard: Around 1643 she was born to Charles Maynard and Mary Corsellis. On 20th January 1663 Mary Maynard died.
Charles Maynard: In 1598 he was born to Henry Maynard of Estaines Parva and Susan Pearson. On or after 16th July 1633, the date of the license, Charles Maynard and Mary Corsellis were married. She the daughter of a wealthy Flemish immigrant and brought £800 to the marriage. On 19th November 1665 Charles Maynard died. He was buried at St Mary's Church, Little Easton [Map].
On 9th August 1683 Archdeacon Edward Carter was appointed Archdeacon of St Albans.
John Evelyn's Diary. 3rd July 1688. I went with Dr. Godolphin (age 39) and his brother Sir William (age 48) to St. Alban's [Map], to see a library he would have bought of the widow of Dr. Cartwright [NOTE. Assume Cartwright a typo for Carter], late Archdeacon of St. Alban's, a very good collection of books, especially in divinity; he was to give £300 for them. Having seen the GREAT CHURCH [Map], now newly repaired by a public contribution, we returned home.
St Albans Cathedral [Map]. Mural monument with setting of drapery and cherubs' heads, to Robert Nicoll, 1689, and Mary (Gape), his wife, 1685, erected 1694, with arms of Nicoll impaling Gape:
St Albans Cathedral [Map]. Memorial to John Thrale, died 15th May 1704, his wife Nargaret, and three of their children who died young.
St Albans Cathedral [Map]. Ledger stone originally containing a brass to Mathew Hubbard, Alderman of St Albans, died 11th July 1713 aged 53, and Mary his wife.
St Albans Cathedral [Map]. Memorial to Ptolemy James, died 26th April 1729.
St Albans Cathedral [Map]. Memorial to William King of Fineshade, died 10th March 1766.
In 1775 Charles Domville of London died. He was buried at St Albans Abbey [Map].
St Albans Cathedral [Map]. Ledger stone Thomas Goldsmith, died October 1779, and his wife Margaret.
St Albans Cathedral [Map]. Memorial to Henry Pye Rich, died, 18th July 1809. The "Treaty of Peace" being the treaty between Great Britain and United States of America to cease hostilities, ratified on the 14h of January 1784.
St Albans Cathedral [Map]. Memorial to John Payler Nicholson, Head Master of the Free Grammar School in St Albans. died 9th May 1817, and his wife Hannah, died 4th March 1844.
St Albans Cathedral [Map]. Ledger stone of Penelope Evans died 28th November 1778, her daughter Mary Husseydied 2nd July 1789, William Hussey died 28th January 1800 and William Wildman died 3rd September 1823.
On 8th February 1833 William Domville 1st Baronet (age 90) died. He was buried at St Albans Abbey [Map]. His son William (age 58) succeeded 2nd Baronet Domville of St Albans.
William Domville 1st Baronet: On 26th December 1742 he was born to Charles Domville of London at St Albans, Hertfordshire [Map]. In 1804 he was appointed Sheriff of London. In 1813 he was appointed Lord Mayor of London In 1814 William Domville 1st Baronet was created 1st Baronet Domville of St Albans.
William Domville 2nd Baronet: On 22nd March 1774 he was born to William Domville 1st Baronet. On 21st May 1860 William Domville 2nd Baronet died. His son James succeeded 3rd Baronet Domville of St Albans.
Around 1880. The West Facade of St Albans Cathedral [Map] designed by amateur architect Edmund Beckett 1st Baron Grimthorpe (age 63) replacing an earliesr design with the now lost Wheathampstead window.
St Albans Cathedral [Map]. 1885. Window in the South Transept.
St Albans Cathedral [Map]. Memorial to Frederick Charles Borckhardt who met his death on the Matterhorn during a terrible snowstorm on the 18th August 1886 aged 48.
On 25th July 1892 Bishop Thomas Legh Claughton (age 83) died. Monument at St Albans Cathedral [Map] sculpted by James Forsyth (age 64).
Bishop Thomas Legh Claughton: On 6th November 1808 he was born. In 1877 he was appointed Bishop of St Albans. Life's Ebb And Flow Chapter IV. [30th April 1881]. Our dear friend, the Bishop of St. Albans (Claughton), helped by our neighbour the rector of Little Easton, who had kept in the background during the ceremony. The register was signed by the Prince of Wales, Prince Leopold, and Lords Warwick and Rosslyn. Our honeymoon was spent at beautiful Ditton Park, which was lent us by the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch, and there, in lovely May weather, we had a fortnight on the river, boating and canoeing. But, alas for romance, there was one worldly honour given us that demanded all our self-control. We were commanded to dine at Windsor Castle on the day after our wedding, and I was asked to wear my bridal dress, orange blossoms and all! I must confess that Her Majesty's kindness on that occasion went far to soothe the shyness of a bride in her teens. The Queen took from my corsage a spray of orange blossom to keep as a souvenir and said many charming things about the beauty of my frock. Her Majesty so much admired what she was pleased to call the "lovely" dress, that I had a note next day from Lady Churchill, then in waiting, to say that the Queen wished so very much to possess a photograph of me if I would have myself taken in the gown, and hoping I was not too tired from the long standing.
The Crossing at St Albans Cathedral [Map].
Before 28th December 1902. Photograph of Bishop John Wogan Festing (age 65). He was buried at St Albans Cathedral [Map].
On 29th April 1905 Edmund Beckett 1st Baron Grimthorpe (age 88) died after a fall. He was buried at St Albans Cathedral [Map]. His nephew Ernest (age 48) succeeded 2nd Baron Grimthorpe, 6th Baronet Beckett of Leeds.
1909. Tablet at St Albans Cathedral [Map] commemorating the renewal of old associations strengthening the bonds of friendship between England and France.
On 23rd April 1914 Edward Robert Hughes (age 62) died at his home 3 Romeland after an operation for appendicitis. He was buried at Hatfield Road Cemetery, St Albans. His funeral in St Albans Cathedral [Map] was the largest ever held there, attended by his many friends, fellow artists, and pupils from his life-drawing class in London.
On 1st May 1980 Bishop John Bernard Taylor (age 50) was consecrated Bishop of St Albans. He was enthroned at St Albans Cathedral [Map] on 14th June 1980.
Nave Screen at St Albans Cathedral [Map]. In 2015 seven new painted stone statues by Rory Young were installed in the medieval niches in the nave screen.
On 1st June 2016 Bishop John Bernard Taylor (age 87) died at the Hospice of St Francis, Berkhamsted. he was buried at St Albans Cathedral [Map].
St Albans Cathedral [Map]. Shrine of Saint Amphibalus. Amphibalus is a venerated early Christian priest said to have converted Saint Alban to Christianity. In 1323, a portion of the abbey roof collapsed, damaging the shrine. The shrine was then moved to the north aisle of the chancel. Eventually, around 1350, the shrine was given a position in the centre of the retrochoir, east of St Alban's own shrine in the 'Saint's Chapel', complete with a stone tomb, paintings, and a silver gilt plate. The shrine was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the pieces were used to block the eastern arches of "Saints' Chapel". The relics were scattered; however, the remains of the shrine were discovered in the 19th-century during renovations, and were reassembled in 1872 under the direction of Sir George Gilbert Scott. The stone shrine was restored in 2021 by the Skillington Workshop
