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Amphitheatrum Castrense

Getting There

  • Location: Via Nola, 3-10, Rome.
  • Nearest Metro Station: Lodi, Line C.
  • Nearest Tram Station: Carlo Felice, S. Croce en Gerusalemme, Line 3.
  • Admission: 24 hrs.

Description

  • The Amphitheatre was a three stories high elliptical structure made out of concrete and faced with brick.
  • In 275 CE, it was integrated into the Aurelian Walls.
  • Only the lowest section remains today.

 

Amphitheatrum Castrense

Nautilus

  • The Nautilus, from the Greek Nautilos for sailor, is a marine mollusc whose tubular shell has barely evolved in 500 million years, and is sometimes referred to as a ‘living fossil’.
  • It has two eyes and a beak, but unlike its relatives in the Cephalopod family, the Nautilus has about 90 small tentacles instead of the 8-10 tentacles of the octopus, squid and cuttlefish.

Habitat

  • The Nautilus lives at depths of 300-2,300 ft (100-700m) on coral reefs in the Indian and Pacific Oceans between equatorial Latitudes of 30° N and 30° S and Longitudes of 90°-175° East.
  • Fishing of the Nautilus species is regulated under Appendix II of the Cites Treaty.
  • The shell of a Nautilus follows a constant angle in a logarithimic spiral, but it is not the Golden Ratio.

Lifecycle

  • They start to reproduce after 15 years and lay eggs once a year which they attach to rocks. The eggs take up to one year to hatch. They grow to reach 8-10 inches (20-25cm) in diameter.
  • They are scavengers and eat carrion.
  • The Nautilus lives to be about 20 years old.

Propulsion

  • The Nautilus can withdraw inside its shell and seal it with a protective cover. It moves by jet propulsion.

Buoyancy

  • The shell of the Nautilus contains 30 chambers, which are used for buoyancy.
  • A tube called the Siphuncle connects all the chambers.
  • It rises by filling the chambers with gas and sinks by filling them with water.

 

The Indo-Pacific Ocean

Basilica of St. John Lateran, Rome

Basilica of St. John Lateran

  • The Basilica of St. John Lateran is the Cathedral of Rome and considered to be the Mother Church of the Roman Catholic Church. It is located next to the Lateran Palace.
  • It ranks above all other Catholic Churches in the world, including St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City.

Getting There

History

  • The cathedral is dedicated to the Most Holy Saviour, St. John the Baptist, and to his disciple, St. John the Evangelist.
  • It was built by Constantine I on the site of the Castra Nova, previously occupied by the Imperial Horse Guard, and dedicated in c.324 CE.
  • Although it is located outside the Vatican City, since 1929 it has been included as a property of the Vatican See, and is not under the jurisdiction of the city of Rome.
  • Until 1870 all the new Popes were appointed in this Basilica. It holds the Cathedra or throne of the Bishop of Rome.

The Bronze Doors

  • The central bronze doors which are over 2,000 years old are from the Roman Senate House, the Curia Julia.

The Holy Stairs

  • The Holy Stairs, that Jesus is believed to have walked on, were relocated next to the Basilica from Jerusalem by St. Helena in 326 CE.

 

Photo and map: Basilica of St. John Lateran

St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome

St. Peter’s Basilica

  • St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City in Rome is the largest Christian Church in the world, with a dome built by Michelangelo, and is a site of Pilgrimage and Liturgical functions.
  • It is regarded as the holiest of all shrines in the Catholic Church because of its location above the original Tomb of St. Peter.

Getting There

  • Location: Piazza San Pietro, Rome.
  • Nearest Metro Station: Ottaviano, Line A, then Bus 982.

History

  • The Old St. Peter’s Basilica (on the same site) was completed by Constantine I in 333 CE.
  • It was built on the Circus of Nero over the Tomb of St. Peter. The Tomb, however, was destroyed in a Raid in 846 CE.
  • The new St. Peter’s Basilica was started by Pope Julius II in 1505 CE, who demolished the Old St. Peter’s Basilica and using material from the Colosseum, began a new construction on the same site.
  • Michelangelo was responsible for the Dome and it was completed by successive Popes in 1655 CE.
  • The Vaticano Obelisk was moved to St. Peter’s Square in 1586 CE and placed in front of the Basilica.
  • The adjacent Apostolic Palace holds the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Library, and the Papal Apartments, where the Popes reside.

Vatican City

  • The Vatican City State, also known as the Vatican, is an independent city state within the city of Rome.
  • It became independent in 1929 with the Lateran Treaty, has its own diplomatic envoys and is the smallest State in the world.
  • Its buildings include St. Peter’s Basilica, the Apostolic Palace, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Library, Vatican Museums and the Vaticano Obelisk in St. Peter’s Square.

 

Photo and Map: St. Peter’s Basilica (built on the site of the Old St. Peter’s Basilica)

Magny en Vexin

  • Magny en Vexin is a town located on the river Aubette de Magny, a tributary of the river Seine, in the Isle de France Region of northern France.
  • It was a Roman posting station on the Chaussee Jules Cesar Roman Road which ran between Paris and Rouen. The modern Route National 14 follows the route of the old Roman Road.

Roman Roads

 

Magny en Vexin

Crimea

  • The Crimean Peninsular, also known as the Tauric Peninsular, is located between the north coast of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Chersonesus Taurica

  • The Crimea was known as Chersonesus Taurica and also went by the name of the Bosporan Kingdom.
  • The capital city was also called Chersonesus Taurica and also was known as Charax. It had a Fortress and Naval Base that controlled the Black Sea and the Kerch Strait.

The Kerch Strait

  • The Kerch Strait is the body of water connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov.
  • It is 22 miles (35km) long and 2 miles (3km) wide. The Romans called it the Cimmerianus Bosporus.
  • The Strait can ice over in winter and become blocked.

Client Kingdom (8 BCE-341 CE)

  • Between 8 BCE – 341 CE Rome made Chersonesus Taurica a Roman Client Kingdom.
  • In 14 BCE, King Aspurgus was officially accepted by Augustus and named by the Roman Senate as a Roman Client King and given the Roman name ‘Tiberius Julius’.
  • After his death in 38 CE his Dynastic Heirs continued reigning using the name ‘Tiberius Julius’ until 341 CE.
  • Chersonesus Taurica (Ruins) near Sevastopol, was the Capital City, but the name was extended to include the entire peninsular.

Roman Province (63-68 CE)

  • For five years between 63-68 CE, Nero made the Crimea a Roman Province.
  • But in 69 CE, Galba returned it to become a Roman Client Kingdom.
  • After 341 CE, all record of what happened to this Kingdom was lost.

Legio XI Claudia

  • This Legion was based in nearby Moesia Inferior.
  • They sent detachments to maintain the Roman Fortress, Naval base and Roman City called Charax.

Charax

  • Charax holds the Ruins of the Roman fortress, naval base and city.
  • There may also have been a Black Sea Grain Fleet based here.

Silk Road

  • The Bosporan Kingdom was one of the Routes on the Silk Road.
  • In the Ancient World, trade passed out of China, through Afghanistan, down the River Oxus into both the Aral Sea and the Caspian Sea.
  • The Volga discharges into the Caspian Sea. There is a short overland connection where the River Don passes close to the Volga.
  • The Don then flows through the Sea of Azov and into the Black Sea, past the Crimean Peninsular and its Port.

 

Yalta

Kerch Strait

  • The Kerch Strait, known to the Romans as the Cimmerianus Bosporus, is a narrow body of water connecting the Black Sea with the shallow Sea of Azov (Palus Maeotis).
  • The Strait passes between the Ukrainian Peninsular of the Crimea to the west and the Russian Taman Peninsular to the east.

Description

  • The Strait is 22 miles (35km) long and 2 miles (3km) wide. The Strait can ice over in winter and become blocked.
  • It is the only outflow for the River Don and River Kuban that run into the Sea of Azov and then through the Strait into the Black Sea.

The Crimea

  • The Romans called it the Cimmerianus Bosporus and it was controlled by the Roman Client Kingdom of Chersonesus Taurica (the Crimea).
  • Grain fleets passed through the Strait to reach Athens and later, Rome.

 

Kerch Strait

Battle of Zama

Date and Location

  • Oct 19th 202 BCE at Zama Regia, near modern day Siliana in Tunisia, 80 miles (130km) southwest of Tunis.

The Reason for the Battle

  • In 205 BCE Scipio Africanus was elected Consul and persuaded the Senate to end the War by invading North Africa and attacking the city of Carthage.
  • In 203 BCE Scipio landed with an army at Uttica and defeated a Carthaginian Army at the Battle of the Great Plains. He then drew up a Peace Treaty with the Carthaginian Senate whereby they renounced their overseas Empire, reduced their navy, recalled Hannibal from Italy and agreed to pay War Reparations.
  • However, the Carthaginians reneged on the Treaty and captured a Roman supply fleet.

The Adversaries

The Winner

The Commanders

The Strength of the Forces under the Roman Republic

  • Soldiers: 29,000
  • Auxiliaries and Allies: Romans, Sicilians and Numidian cavalry
  • Allied Cavalry: 6,100
  • Losses: 4-5,000 killed: 1,500-2,500 Romans killed, 2,500 Numidians killed.

The Strength of the Forces under Hannibal

  • Soldiers: 36,000 (one third untrained citizen soldiers)
  • Auxiliaries and Allies: Spaniards, Gauls and Numidian cavalry
  • Allied Cavalry: 4,000 and 80 War Elephants
  • Casualties and Losses: 20-25,000 killed, 8,500-20,000 captured.

How the Armies were Deployed

  • Hannibal’s Army

  • Hannibal arrived on the plains of Zama first and deployed his formations in three lines facing northwest.
  • The 80 war elephants were deployed in front of the first line.
  • The first line consisted of mercenaries from Gaul, Liguria and the Balearics.
  • The second line was made up of inexperienced citizen soldiers.
  • The third line consisted of veterans and mercenaries from Gaul and Spain. Hannibal held back the third line to prevent Scipio from encircling him as he had done before.
  • His left wing was composed of Numidian cavalry.
  • His right wing was composed of Carthaginian cavalry.
    • Hannibal probably intended to disrupt the first two Roman lines by a charge of the elephants and then use the line of veterans to overrun and finish off the Roman army.

  • Scipio’s Army

  • Scipio deployed his army in the standard three lines of the Maniple System.
  • The first line consisted of the Hastati.
  • The second line was made up of the Principes.
  • The third line consisted of the Triarii.
  • His right wing was led by Masinissa and the Numidian cavalry.
  • His left wing was led by Laelius and the Italian cavalry.
    • Scipio formed a strategy to deal with the War Elephants. Elephants charge ahead in a straight line and do not stop or turn. Scipio briefed the soldiers to open up a passageway and let the elephants pass between them, so that they could be dealt with in the rear.
    • Scipio recognised the importance of cavalry from Carthaginian successes in Italy. So he had raised a new cavalry regiment in Sicily and formed a key alliance with Masinissa to use his Numidian Cavalry, in order to have superiority in cavalry numbers.

How the Battle was Fought

  • Hannibal ordered the War Elephants to attack the first two Roman lines accompanied by skirmishers.
  • Scipio Africanus countered by ordering his cavalry to blow horns at the elephants, successfully forcing some of them to swerve into the cavalry on the Carthaginian left wing. The Numidian Cavalry under Masinissa then charged and scattered the remaining Carthaginian cavalry in the left wing, which was also Numidian.
  • Laelius and his Roman cavalry then charged the Carthaginian cavalry on the right wing, who withdrew intentionally in order to lure him away from the field.
  • The other elephants were allowed to pass freely through the Roman lines and were dealt with in the rear.
  • The three Roman lines then reformed to face the Carthaginian army.
  • The Roman first line of Hastati was ordered forward against the Carthaginian two front lines. The first line broke and was moved to the wings.
  • Hannibal ordered his second line to moved forward, and they successfully broke the Roman Hastati.
  • Scipio quickly reinforced the Roman Hastati in the first line with the second line of Principes.
  • They then attacked Hannibal’s second line which broke and was moved to the wings leaving Hannibal’s third line to face the Romans.
  • By this stage, the Roman cavalry had been lured away from the battlefield, so Scipio redeployed his foot soldiers in a straight line with the Hastati in the middle, the Principes on either side and the Triarii on the outer wings.
  • Hannibal waited for Scipio to make the first move, who paused whilst he waited for the cavalry to return. However, unable to wait any longer he attacked, but to no advantage as both sides were equally matched.
  • Finally, the Roman cavalry succeeded in routing the Carthaginian cavalry and returned to the field, attacking the Carthaginian soldiers from the rear.
  • The Carthaginians were completely defeated resulting in around 20,000 soldiers killed and another 20,000 taken prisoner. Hannibal managed to escape.

The Outcome

  • The Battle of Zama marked the end of the Second Punic War.
  • The Peace Treaty that followed was so harsh that Carthage was never able to successfully oppose Rome again.
  • The Romans insisted that Hannibal be exiled as they feared he might rebuild Carthaginian power.
  • As a result, the Carthaginians were unable to resist the Romans during the brief Third Punic War and the city became the Roman Province of Africa after 146 BCE.

Sources

 

Siliana, Tunisia

St. Albans Cathedral

St. Albans

St. Albans: A Roman city beside a Medieval city in Hertfordshire

Overview

St Albans is a historic cathedral city in Hertfordshire, England, located on the River Ver, approximately 25 miles (40 km) north of London. The city is renowned for its rich Roman heritage, early Christian history, and its impressive medieval cathedral. Originally founded as the Roman town of Verulamium, St Albans became one of the most important settlements in Roman Britain. Today, the ruins of Verulamium can still be seen in Verulamium Park, situated below St Albans Cathedral.

Roman History

The Catuvellauni Tribe ruled one of the most powerful early Roman Client Kingdoms in Britannia. Under King Tasciovanus, and later his son King Cunobelin, referred to by Suetonius as the “King of the Britons”, the settlement flourished. After the Roman Conquest of Britannia in 43 CE, Verulamium had became a Roman Municipium, serving as the joint capital with Colchester of the Catuvellauni Tribe. Verulamium grew rapidly in importance, despite the town being destroyed during Boudicca's Revolt in 60 BCE, it was later rebuilt and continued to prosper as a key Roman centre.

Later History

Under the Saxon Kingdom of Essex, St. Albans became an administrative and religious centre when in 793 CE, it was given a Benedictine Abbey by King Offa of Mercia and a royal settlement nearby called Kingsbury. Unusually, the medieval town developed beside the Abbey and the Roman city remained vacant and was never reoccupied. Between 899-954, St. Albans became a frontier town opposite the Viking Danelaw with the river Lea acting as the boundary. During the Wars of the Roses (1455-1487) it saw two major battles. Under the Tudors it became famous as the residence of Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626), the noted Philosopher whose works strongly influenced the Scientific Revolution. During the English Civil War (1642-52), St. Albans served as headquarters for the Parliamentary New Model Army under the Earl of Essex.

Walking Tour of St. Albans (2-3 hrs)

  • Your geolocation will appear as a blue icon that moves on the map as you walk.
  • You may start anywhere on the map and just follow the blue line to the next point of interest.

Things to Do and Places to See in St. Albans

1. St Albans Cathedral

St. Albans Cathedral

St. Albans Cathedral

Description: This is all that remains of the former Benedictine Abbey, founded as St. Albans Abbey by King Offa of Mercia in 793 over the shrine of St Alban. It was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539, when the church was purchased by the town, becoming a cathedral in 1877. It has the longest Nave in England at 279 feet (85m) measured along the ceiling, although the longest Nave as measured along the floor is at Winchester Cathedral at 558 feet (170m).

Historical Insight: St. Alban is traditionally recognised as the first Christian martyr in Britain. He was not a Bishop but an ordinary soldier who lived in Verulamium during the 3rd to early 4th centuries CE. He is believed to have been executed between 209 and 313 CE, most likely during the Diocletianic Persecution (303–313 CE). His story is recorded in the medieval text Passio Albani, which also recounts a visit to his shrine by St. Germain, Bishop of Auxerre, in the 5th century CE. His martyrdom is also mentioned by early historians Gildas and Bede.

2. The Clock Tower

The Clock Tower, St. Albans

The Clock Tower, St. Albans

Description: Located in the High Street, it was built in 1412 and is the only 15th century Grade I listed secular Belfry in England, the other four being attached to churches. Unusually, the Belfry was built by the townspeople as a secular monument to challenge the power of the nearby St. Albans Abbey. The 600 year old bell is called ‘Gabriel’.

Tip:  Visitors can climb 93 steep steps for panoramic views over St. Albans. The Tower is open at weekends between Easter and September.

3. St Albans Museum and Gallery

St, Albans Museum and Gallery

St, Albans Museum and Gallery

Description: The museum is located inside the restored Town Hall and presents the history and art of St. Albans. Access is free. Built in 1831, it has a Georgian Assembly Room with ornate chandeliers. There is a cafe and shop. The museum is run by St. Albans City Council and forms part of a collection of Museums and buildings in St. Albans. These include the Town Hall Museum, Verulamium Museum and Hypocaust, the Clock Tower and the ruins of Sopwell Nunnery.

4. Market Place

Market Place, St. Albans

Market Place, St. Albans

Description: This is the historic city centre with many ancient buildings such as The Boot Pub (No. 4), a Grade II listed building built in 1500 , The Corn Exchange (Nos. 18-22), The Gable built 1637 (Nos. 13-15), Ye Olde Fighting Cocks Pub nearby

Also in nearby St. Peter’s Street was The Castle Inn, now gone. This inn was mentioned by Shakespeare as being where Yorkists killed the Duke of Somerset, the leading Lancastrian commander, during the Battle of St. Albans fought here during the War of the Roses in 1455.

At Numbers 8-10 in adjacent Chequer Street, the race horse trainer Tommy Coleman rebuilt the Chequer in 1826 and opened it as ‘The Turf’. Under his supervision it became a centre of gambling on local horse races. Coleman is credited with organising the first steeplechases in England, which took place at racecourses around St. Albans.

5. St. Albans Market

St. Albans Market

St. Albans Market

Description: This outdoor street market operates on Wednesdays and Saturdays (09:00-16:30) and extends from Market Place North to St. Peter’s Street. The market was established by Abbot Wulsin in 860 CE. There is also a Farmer’s Market once a month on a Sunday. The market has stalls offering fruit, vegetables, artisan goods, crafts and clothing.

6. St. Peter’s Church

St. Peter's Church, St. Albans

St. Peter’s Church, St. Albans

Description: Located in St. Peter’s Street, the church was founded in 948 CE by Abbot Ulsinus of St. Albans Abbey. Its purpose was to receive pilgrims and prepare them for their visit to the shrine of St. Albans inside  the Abbey, assisted by the churches of St. Stephen and St. Michael. Its appearance today is a result of rebuilding between the 13th-15th centuries.

Tip: The second wedding of Ricky and Bianca in the BBC soap opera Eastenders was filmed in this church.

7. Abbey Gateway

Abbey Gatehouse, St. Albans

Abbey Gatehouse, St. Albans

Description: Built in 1365, this Gatehouse and the cathedral are all that remain of the once great Benedictine Abbey of St. Albans. In 1479, the Gateway housed the third printing press in England. Eight known works came from the Press, including a grammatical textbook ‘Elegantiolae’ by Augustino Datus.

8. Ye Olde Fighting Cocks

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St. Albans

Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, St. Albans

Description: Located in Abbey Mill Lane beside the river Ver, this is one of several pubs that lay claim to being the oldest in England, and dating from the founding of the Abbey in 793 CE. However, this hasn’t been verified. The present structure is quaint and dates from the 16th century. Its octagonal shape suggests its origin as a cockfighting ring.

Tip: The Cocks featured in a 1990 episode of the ITV series Inspector Morse, ‘The Sins of the Fathers’.

9. Verulamium Park and Lake

Verulamium Park and Lake, St. Albans

Verulamium Park and Lake, St. Albans

Description: Visitors can explore several well-preserved Roman archaeological sites in and around Verulamium Park, which is adjacent to the cathedral, including the Roman Wall, the Hypocaust and Mosaic, and the Verulamium Museum.

Historical Insight: The river Ver is a chalk stream that runs southeast through Verulamium Park from Kingsbury Watermill and alongside the lake. Over 85% of the world’s chalk streams are located in the South and East of England. The clear, nutrient-rich water maintains a steady temperature which supports a rich diversity of wildlife.

10. Watling Street

The London Gate, Watling Street, St. Albans

The London Gate, Watling Street, St. Albans

Description: Roman Watling street ran through Verulamium Park, from the London Gate to St. Michael’s church, where the Forum and Basilica once stood. Watling street is the A5 from London to Wroxeter, which has now been diverted away from the Town centre.

Historical Insight: The Romans held their frontiers with very small armies. But if one was attacked, the others would move quickly along the road system and join up with each other. When a rebellion occurred on the Rhine in 70 CE, the Legio XIV Gemina, based in Wroxeter, is recorded as marching along the Via Belgica to quell the Batavian Revolt. From Wroxeter they would have marched along Watling Street to Richborough, sailed across to Boulogne, and marched along the Via Belgica to Cologne.

11. Verulamium City Wall

Verulamium City Wall, St. Albans

Verulamium City Wall, St. Albans

Description: After being razed during Boudicca's Revolt in 60 CE, the first wall was an earthen wall protected by ditches. The stone Roman Wall was built much later, between 265-270 CE, during the breakaway Gallic Empire (260-74). This was when Britannia, Gaul and Spain seceded from the Roman Empire for 14 years. The walls had a circuit of two miles (3km) with a height of 16 feet (5m). The foundations of the London Gate survive, along with two towers, and in places the wall still reaches a height of 12 feet (4m).

12. Roman Mosaic and Hypocaust

Roman Mosaic and Hypocaust, St. Albans

Roman Mosaic and Hypocaust, St. Albans

Description: Located in a separate concrete building, the entrance is free. The mosaic was in a large Roman town house built in 180 CE. The floor is thought to have been part of the reception and meeting rooms. The mosaic covered the Hypocaust, the underfloor heating system, and was made of 220,000 tesserae (small cubes) of cut stone or tile. It consists of multiple geometrical designs.

Roman Mosaic and Hypocaust, St. Albans

Roman Mosaic and Hypocaust, St. Albans

13. Verulamium Museum

Verulamium Museum, St. Albans

Verulamium Museum, St. Albans

Description: The Verulamium Museum is located on the site of the Roman city and houses one of the finest collections of Roman artefacts in Britain. Exhibits include the reconstructed Verulamium Forum Inscription, Roman mosaics, Pottery and tools, jewelry and coins along with everyday objects from Roman Verulamium. The Dahlia mosaic has an intricate floral theme and the Shell mosaic features detailed geometric designs.

14. St. Michael’s Church

St. Michael's Church, St. Albans

St. Michael’s Church, St. Albans

Description: St. Michael’s Church is built over the site of Verulamium Basilica.

Historical Insight: The church holds the grave of Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626), Lord High Chancellor of England under James I and a noted Philosopher whose works strongly influenced the Scientific Revolution. The ‘Baconian theory of Shakespeare authorship’ arose in the 19th century and maintained that he wrote all or some of Shakespeare’s Plays.

15. Verulamium Roman Theatre

Verulamium Roman Theatre, St. Albans

Verulamium Roman Theatre, St. Albans

Description: The theatre was built within the walls of Verulamium around 140 CE, and had seating for 2,000 spectators. It was excavated in 1847 and during the 1930’s. Today, the Roman Theatre continues to operate, and is organised by the OVO Theatre Company, who host the Roman Theatre Open Air Festival. The Festival runs between June and August, with productions of comedies, music and Shakespeare’s plays.

16. The Waffle House, at former Kingsbury Watermill

The Waffle House, Kingsbury Mill, St. Albans

The Waffle House, Kingsbury Mill, St. Albans

Description: This a 16th century watermill on the river Ver. It has a Georgian facade and a Grade II listed Barn dating back to 1373. The breastshot waterwheel and two pairs of milling stones were restored in 1972. No longer a working mill, it is now occupied by a restaurant called the Waffle House, specialising in Belgian waffles. The workings of the mill may still be viewed inside the restaurant.

17. St. Michael’s Village

St. Michael's Manor Hotel, St. Michael's Village, St. Albans

St. Michael’s Manor Hotel, St. Michael’s Village, St. Albans

Description: Now part of St. Albans, St. Michael’s village extends from near the Cathedral to the ancient St. Michael’s Church, along picturesque Fishpool Street. There are many 16th century buildings to be seen, including St. Michael’s Manor Hotel, with its own landscaped gardens and the Lake restaurant, characterful cottages with unique names such as Rivendell, Prigars Cottage and Hope Cottage, an old Pub with beams called the Rose and Crown, and other pubs such as the Lower Red Lion and the Six Bells. And the historic 16th century watermill on the river Ver, now operating as the Waffle House.

 

Further Afield

18. Clarence Park

The Water Fountain, Clarence Park, St. Albans

The Water Fountain, Clarence Park, St. Albans

Description: Clarence Park is a Victorian Park laid out as a Public Park and Municipal sports ground. It was donated to the town in 1894 by John Maple, and holds rose and flower beds, an impressive cricket pavilion, a granite drinking fountain and the park keepers lodge.

19. St. Albans South Signal Box Museum

St. Albans South Signal Box Museum

St. Albans South Signal Box Museum

Description: This is a Midland Railway Signal Box with a 44 lever frame dating from 1892. It is the largest signal box in preservation and the only example operating next to a working main line. The museum is open on selected Sundays between 1400-1700 and admission is free.

20. Lee House (Sopwell Nunnery)

Lee House (Sopwell Nunnery), St. Albans

Lee House (Sopwell Nunnery), St. Albans

Description: Located in Cottonmill Lane, the site holds the ruins of Lee Hall, a Tudor country house built in 1550 by Sir Lee Hall on the site of a 12th century nunnery.

21. Abbey Theatre

Abbey Theatre, St. Albans

Abbey Theatre, St. Albans

Description: Home to the Company of Ten Theatrical Group, the Abbey Theatre seats up to 240 spectators and hosts regular performances from musicals to dramas.

22. St. Albans Organ Theatre

St. Albans Organ Theatre

St. Albans Organ Theatre

Description: Located at 320 Camp Road, the premises of Charles Hart, who created a collection of 40 Belgian Dance Organs along with musical boxes, reproducing pianos, a Mills Violano, organettes, an orchestrelle and the Wurlitzer Pipe Organ from the Granada Cinema, Edmonton. He started his collection when jukeboxes started replacing organs in the 1960’s. The theatre is open for concerts on the second Sunday of each month.

Travel Tips

Visitor FAQ

  • What is St. Albans famous for?
    • Samuel Ryder, best remembered as the founder of the Ryder Cup, was also one of St Albans’ most notable citizens as a successful businessman, churchman and local politician. The Verulam Golf Club is the home of the Ryder Cup where Samuel Ryder was once a member.
    • Two major battles of the the Wars of the Roses (1455-1487), took place here: The First Battle of St. Albans (1455) (Shakespeare’s Henry V, Part 2, ends with the conclusion of the battle) was won by Richard, Duke of York against the Lancastrian King Henry VI who was taken prisoner. At the Second Battle of St. Albans (1461), King Henry’s wife, Margaret of Anjou, defeated the Yorkist Earl of Warwick, recaptured Henry VI, but did not advance on London.
    • St. Michael’s Church holds the grave of Sir Francis Bacon (1561-1626), Lord High Chancellor of England under James I and a noted Philosopher whose works strongly influenced the Scientific Revolution.
    • The race horse trainer Tommy Coleman opened ‘The Turf’ in 1826. Under his supervision it became a centre of gambling on local horse races. Coleman is credited with organising the first steeplechases in England, which took place around St. Albans.
    • The Roman Theatre Open Air Festival which holds performances between June and August.
  • Can I see Roman Ruins in St. Albans?
    • Yes, Roman walls, Hypocaust and a Roman Theatre. There are many Roman artefacts in Verulamium Roman museum.
  • How far is Warner Brothers Studios from St. Albans city centre?
    • Approximately 20 minutes by car.
  • Are there Guided Tours of St. Albans historical sites?
    • Yes, local guides offer walking tours highlighting the Cathedral, the Old Town and other venues.
  • Is Verulamium the same as St. Albans?
    • Yes, Verulamium was founded by the Romans in 43 CE, when they moved the Catuvellauni tribe from their Oppidum nearby.
  • Which Roman Province was St. Albans located in?
  • What was the role of Verulamium (St. Albans) in the Roman Empire?
    • St Albans occupied a strategic position in the Roman road network. It was the first major stop on Watling Street to the legionary fortresses of Caerleon and Chester. And provided a direct road link to Cirencester via Akeman street.
    • The River Ver, a tributary of the River Colne and ultimately the River Thames, is believed to have been navigable as far as Verulamium. This likely allowed Roman barges to transport goods between the town and the Thames valley network.
  • Which Roman Roads connected to St. Albans?
  • Was Verulamium mentioned in the Antonine Itinerary?

Quick Facts

  • Modern Location: St. Albans, England
  • Category: Historic city centre, medieval cathedral, tourist destination
  • Activities: Walking tours, Sightseeing, Photography
  • Nearby Roman Site: Welwyn Roman Baths
  • Nearest Roman road: Watling Street
  • Roman Province: Britannia

Nearby Attractions

  • Hatfield House and Gardens
  • Welwyn Roman Baths
  • De Havilland Aircraft Museum, London Colney
  • Tulleys Tulip Fields
  • Gorhambury House
Chiltern Open Air Museum

Chiltern Open Air Museum

Harry Potter Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden

Harry Potter Studio Tour, Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden

Berzobis

  • Berzobis was a Roman Fort located in Dacia (Berzovia, Roumania).

 

 

 

Berzobis, Berzovia, Roumania