St Albans: A history

Mark Freemans classic history of St Albans, first published in 2008, has been substantially rewritten and brought fully up-to-date, making it an invaluable guide to more than two thousand years of the city's history. From the late Iron Age to the 2010s, it covers the Roman settlement of Verulamium, the abbey's conflict with civic authorities, and political upheavals throughout England. The book emphasizes the proximity of London and the significance of St Albans' own history, using the past as a powerful resource to understand the events that have shaped the community.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: University of Hertfordshire Press

Mark Freemans renowned history of St Albans, originally published in 2008, has undergone a significant rewrite by the author, ensuring its utmost relevance and accuracy. Spanning over two thousand years of St Albans's history, this invaluable guide provides a scholarly yet captivating account from pre-Roman times to the present day.

The Roman settlement of Verulamium, which emerged from Verlamion shortly after the Roman invasion, experienced its share of historical events. In 60 CE, it faced attack during Boudicas formidable uprising against Roman rule, alongside Colchester and London. Over time, Verulamium grew in importance, becoming one of the most significant towns in Roman Britain and the site of Britains first Christian martyrdom. The abbey, dedicated to the saint, held immense religious significance in medieval England.

While the long period of conflict between the abbey and civic authorities may have cast a shadow on the lives of St Albans residents, the history of the town is intertwined with political upheavals that affected all of England throughout centuries. St Albans, like many other places, bore the impact of the Norman conquest, the Wars of the Roses, and the civil wars. The emergence of urban self-government in early modern St Albans serves as a case study of a process that unfolded across the country. Similarly, the account of St Albans's suburbanization, fueled by the railways in the nineteenth century, the growth and decline of the local manufacturing economy, and its involvement in the expansion of mass education, consumerism, and democratic politics, adds depth and richness to its historical narrative.

In conclusion, Mark Freemans revised and updated history of St Albans offers a comprehensive and captivating journey through time, shedding light on the city's rich heritage and its pivotal role in English history. Whether you are a resident or a historian, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the fascinating history of St Albans.

Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912260652
Edition number: Revised ed