How you can help

Heritage, history and Christianity

St Albans Cathedral is of vast significance because of its heritage and architecture, its historical and social role in the development of Christianity, and its far-reaching spiritual and symbolic relevance.

It is a foundational site of Christianity in Britain and has been a place of pilgrimage for over 1,750 years. It became England's premier Abbey in the Middle Ages and spawned 30 other churches and priories.

When it was threatened with destruction during the Reformation the people saved it, which was the start of a special relationship - to this day congregations of over 1,000 attend services every Sunday, unsurpassed by other British Cathedrals.

It contains the shrines of St Alban and St Amphibalus, the priest who converted Alban to Christianity, both with stone bases that survive from the 14th century.

Important medieval wall paintings and decorative schemes survive on plaster, notably a series of crucifixions and saints on the Romanesque Nave piers, mock ashlar work in the south ambulatory, fragments of a 14th century scheme in the Lady Chapel and a painted figure of St William of York in the Saint's Chapel.

The Norman crossing tower, built with bricks recycled from the Roman town of Verulamium, dominates the city.

The Nave, the longest in England, is the largest covered space in Hertfordshire, and hosts the bi-annual International Organ Festival and many musical events, some featuring the Cathedral choirs.

The Cathedral's ecumenical policy uniquely welcomes 4 denominations other than Anglican. Its award winning Education Centre works with over 16,000 children annually.

There are many ways in which you can choose to help this wonderful Cathedral with its unique heritage.