150 years

2022 marks the 150th anniversary of the discovery of our fascinating Alban and Amphibalus Shrines, the latter of which was fully restored last year.

This year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first restoration of the shrines of St Alban and St Amphibalus. It is believed the shrines were broken up in 1540 and hidden in the walls to protect them after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. They stayed undiscovered for nearly 350 years. However, in February 1872, the Clerk of Works, John Chapple, with the help of the foreman, Mr Jackson, and masons Messrs. Smith and Fisher, discovered over 2,000 fragments of these shrines. Reconstruction began on 16 March 1872. In this anniversary year, as well as marking this remarkable act of restoration, we will be celebrating the finishing touches to the Shrine of Amphibalus, in its new worthy setting, and with its beautiful icons and furniture. The importance of this anniversary should not be underestimated, as it is probably the first major restoration of a shrine in England since the destruction of the Reformation. In this way, it marks a significant revival of pilgrimage in this country, including our own Alban Pilgrimage.

Dedication of the Chapel of St Amphibalus

Friday 24 June, 5pm Following the blessing of the newly restored Amphibalus Shrine last year, during this Evensong we will be officially dedicating the chapel to St Amphibalus, and blessing icons and new shrine furniture that are now in place. All are welcome to this important moment in the life of our cathedral.

The Friends of St Albans Cathedral is an independent charity providing financial and practical support to the Cathedral.

We commissioned and paid for the beautiful Amphibalus Shrine canopy, as well as funding the restoration of the Alban Shrine canopy. The Friends play a vital role in enabling the life and work of our glorious building to flourish and thrive as it has done for nearly 1000 years. “The Friends of St Albans Cathedral are not only part of the heart of our community life in their ‘friend-raising’ in our midst, they are also a key part of the ongoing flourishing of our mission and ministry with their generous support.”

Dean Jo Kelly-Moore

For more information on how to join the Friends and support its important and valuable work for the Cathedral, please visit us at www.stalbanscathedral.org/friends or email us at Friends@ stalbanscathedral.org. Alternatively, you can contact Hazel Ireson, Membership Secretary on 01582 832312

Friends of St Albans Cathedral St Albans Cathedral Sumpter Yard, St Albans, Herts AL1 1BY