Archives The Cathedral Archives contain materials pertaining to the life and faith of the Cathedral over the course of its history. While only a few manuscripts and charters survive from before the Reformation, the Archives are a treasure-trove of photographs, books, letters, drawings, and other documents which tell the story of the Cathedral and Abbey. Visit the Archives The Archives can be visited by appointment, usually on Monday afternoons in term-time. Please email our archivist for more information. Adopt our Archives The Cathedral Archives are a unique record of the long and fascinating history of this place, of value to both scholars and the public, present and future. Adopt our Archives Search our Catalogue You can search for some of the fascinating objects which we hold in our Archives by checking our catalogue. Cathedral Archives Catalogue Cathedral Archives Catalogue Files We've had visitors from as far afield as Japan to study in our archives - Sheila Green, Archive Team Volunteer for 20 years St Albans Abbey: The Excavation of the Chapter House, 1978 The Friends of St Albans Cathedral and the Archives Team have created an exhibition in the display area of the Cathedral on the excavation of the medieval chapter house, one of the finest in an English monastery. The exhibition coincided with the publication of a book about the archaeological dig in 1978 on the site of the chapter house, and has been edited by Professor Martin Biddle, and others. The eBook is available to view online and copies are available in the Cathedral Library. Click on the button below to find out more. Chapter House Excavations, 1978