HertfordshireSTALBANSStMichael(iangriggsPERMISSIONBYEMAIL)1 IanGriggs

St Michael

Oldest site of known Christian activity in the British Isles; art and architecture from across a millennium.

St Albans, Hertfordshire

Opening times

Most days 9am to 5pm, sometimes longer (except when there are services, maintenance, or special events).

Address

St Michael's Street
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL3 4SL

The present St Michael’s was built in the 10th century over the site of the basilica, the headquarters of Roman Verulamium. It was probably here that Alban was tried for being a Christian before he was executed outside the town walls, perhaps where St Albans Abbey now stands.

The oldest parts of this Grade I listed church date to before the Norman Conquest. It is the most extant Anglo Saxon building in Hertfordshire.

Highlights include:

  • an early medieval interlaced carved stone cross introduced from Italy in the 20th century
  • a few medieval tiles in the Lady Chapel
  • 14th century brasses
  • a 15th century roof and carved corbels
  • late medieval paintwork surviving on a rare Doom scene, a nave lancet and a roof beam
  • two late medieval doors
  • a 15th century octagonal font now known to have been (unusually) carved from a single piece of stone
  • a recently rediscovered preReformation altar stone
  • a pulpit and table from the late 16th/early 17th century
  • a famous 17th century memorial to Francis Bacon
  • a royal coat of arms from the reign of Charles II
  • 19th century stained glass
  • 19th century oak pews largely dating from George Gilbert Scott’s reordering in the 1860s and some of which incorporate early modern linenfold panelling
  • a two manual Peter Collins organ (1980)
  • eight bells in the tower date from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries
  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Famous connections

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Magnificent memorials

  • National heritage here

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Wildlife haven

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Café within 500m

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Parking within 250m

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Please see our website for events.

  • Church of England

Contact information

HertfordshireSTALBANSStMichael(iangriggsPERMISSIONBYEMAIL)1 IanGriggs

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Other nearby churches

St Albans Cathedral

St Albans, Hertfordshire

This is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain and stands over the place where Alban, Britains first saint, was buried after giving his life for his faith over 1700 years ago.

St Mary

Childwick, Hertfordshire

A small and beautiful George Gilbert Scott church in a serene hamlet just outside St Albans.

St Lawrence the Martyr

Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire

This church was built in 1154AD to extend an old Saxon church and is central to the village of Abbots Langley.