Values and mission

Who we are

St Albans Cathedral is the shrine to Britain's very first saint, Alban, who died for this beliefs around the year 300. It is one of the most significant buildings in British history. Before it was a Cathedral it was England’s premier monastic abbey, the birthplace of Magna Carta and home to the only English pope. Within its walls visitors can revel in over 1700 years of British history - from Roman times to the modern day. On this site, Christians have worshipped continuously for longer than anywhere else in Britain. It is the reason the city of St Albans exists.

Alban, Britain's First Saint: Telling the Whole Story

The story of Britain’s First Saint, Alban, is not well known and, despite its role in British history, St Albans Cathedral does not have the high profile it merits. To address this and to improve our visitor welcome, we have secured funding from the Lottery Heritage Fund, and over 1000 donors, to make significant structural, interpretative and programming
improvements, including:

• A new welcome centre
• A compelling new presentation of the story of Alban
• An educational centre for school children
• An adult study centre and library
• An exhibition area
• An extensive programme of visitor activities
• New opportunities for volunteers

“St Albans Cathedral deserves to be far better known as the oldest Christian site in Britain, with a uniquely long and rich history to tell. With this grant, we can present the Cathedral’s treasures in a much more attractive way, which includes illuminating the medieval wall paintings and rebuilding the ruined medieval shrine of St Amphibalus. Working with the City’s own Museum project and visitor strategy, we shall make St Albans a first-choice destination for tourists and pilgrims alike.” - The Dean of St Albans

Our key aims and objectives

• To raise the profile of St Albans Cathedral, nationally and internationally
• To communicate the story of Britain’s First Saint and the role St Albans Cathedral has played in the nation’s history in a more compelling way
• To engage new audiences - in particular locals, non-local visitors (day trippers); special educational needs (SEND) visitors and younger audiences (18-35) - and increase our visitor numbers by 35% by 2021
• To grow and develop our congregations
• To improve our visitor welcome and experience, with particular emphasis on SEND visits and improved access throughout the building
• To offer a more diverse range of events and activities to appeal to a wider age range and present St Albans Cathedral in a more modern and engaging way.

Our Mission Statement

St Albans Cathedral exists to glorify God and, inspired by the witness of Alban, proclaim Christ's message of love.

Our Mission is to:

• be a community that reflects Jesus' teaching;
• share the faith and grow in faith;
• deepen our unity with fellow Christians;
• stand with St Alban for truth and justice;
• offer a warm welcome to all;
• serve the Bishop and Diocese of St Albans as their Cathedral Church; and
• enhance, conserve and develop this holy place