September - December 2023 Light Show | Fireworks Spectacular | Christmas
What’s On
St Albans Cathedral, home to Britain’s first saint, is the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain.
‘Welcome to our Autumn edition of What’s On at St Albans Cathedral. As usual, the pages ahead are packed full with something for everyone. We hope that you will come and join us in worship, for a tour, lecture or concert, or to enjoy a quiet moment in this ancient Cathedral and Abbey Church. There are some wonderful highlights including the Renaissance Light Show, Fireworks, celebrating 40 years of the ecumenical life of our Cathedral and, of course, Advent and Christmas. This is your Cathedral - you are always welcome!’
- The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans
Contents
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All information is correct at the time of going to print.
Cover Image © Paul Wilkinson
© Still Cast Photography
Welcome
Your Visit pg 5 Visitor Highlights pg 7 Tours pg 8 Renaissance Light Show pg 10 Worship pg 12 Special Services pg 13 40 Years of Ecumenism pg 14 Advent and Christmas pg 17 Music and Concerts pg 18 Talks and Workshops pg 21 Young People pg
Exhibitions and Events pg
Fireworks pg
Support the Cathedral pg
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Your Visit
There are many unique sights to take in when you visit St Albans Cathedral, making it a stunning setting for worship, events and tours.
Opening times
The Cathedral is open all year round 8.30am – 5.30pm. Entry is free. All donations are gratefully received. Occasionally, additional services and events will be added at short notice. Please check the website before making a special visit.
How to book event tickets
Bookings for events taking place at the Cathedral can be made through our website at www.stalbanscathedral.org. You can also book through the Cathedral Box Office, located in the Cathedral Shop, or by calling 01727 890290.
Planning your visit
The Cathedral is situated in the heart of St Albans, surrounded by beautiful parkland and just a short stroll away from the city centre. Accessibility for all our visitors is an important part of our welcome and mission. Full information about planning a trip to St Albans Cathedral can be found on our website.
Abbot’s Kitchen
Open daily 10am - 4pm
Abbot’s Kitchen is the perfect place to enjoy tea and cake, or lunch, when you visit the Cathedral.
Cathedral Shop
Open daily 10am – 5pm
Whether you are looking for a memento of your visit to St Albans Cathedral, or looking for a special gift, we are sure you will find something in the Cathedral Shop.
Regular Worship
There are a number of services every day at the Cathedral. All are welcome. See page 12 for more details.
Group enquiries
We welcome groups from far and wide every day and can tailor tours to suit your group’s interest. Get in touch to find out more.
Groups: 01727 890200
Schools: 01727 890212
Support us
To find out more about how you can support the Cathedral go to www.stalbanscathedral.org/donate or call 01727 890229.
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© Still Cast Photography
Cathedral Map
6 Crossing Welcome Centre Shop North Transept South Transept Nave Lady Chapel Quire Café
1. Shrine of Saint Alban
2. Shrine of Saint Amphibalus
3. Presbytery and High Altar Screen
4. The Norman Tower
5. Exhibition
6. Wall Paintings
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
7. Toilets
End
West
Visitor Highlights
The Shrine of Saint Alban
The Shrine of Saint Alban is a site of national and international pilgrimage. People have been coming here for over 1700 years and it is used as a place of prayer and stillness by visitors every day.
The Shrine of Saint Amphibalus
The Shrine of Saint Amphibalus recently underwent a monumental conservation project and is now back in the Cathedral for all to see. St Albans Cathedral is the only cathedral in the country with two restored medieval pedestal shrines.
The Norman Tower
Our Norman Tower is the only 11th century great crossing tower still standing in England today. It is also the only cathedral tower in England to be built using Roman bricks.
You can explore our tower on one of our Tower Tours, see page 8.
Wall Paintings
Be transported back in time as you take in the stunning medieval wall paintings - the best preserved collection in any English cathedral. You can see the wall paintings in the Nave restored to their former glory with unique light projections during our Daily Guided Tours.
The Longest Nave in England
Enjoy walking the longest nave in England, all 85 metres of it! Take in the architecture and atmosphere of this vast space.
The Light Show
This October half term, join us for our Renaissance Light Show. Immerse yourself in the Cathedral bathed in light.
Full details can be found on page 10.
Fireworks Spectacular
Join us for our annual Fireworks Spectacular in Verulamium Park this November.
Full details can be found on page 26.
Saints in Colour
Discover our incredible project, bringing the Wallingford High Altar screen to life in a world first with cutting edge technology.
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St Albans Cathedral is a great place to visit with the whole family – whatever the weather! From the longest nave in England to a jam-packed events programme, there is plenty to see and do.
Tours
Discover stories from 1700 years of history as you embark upon an exciting journey around the Cathedral on one of our special tours.
Daily Guided Tours
These tours are a great introduction to the cathedral, its history and its treasures. Our expert guides will take you through our rich and varied history, exploring features such as our stunning medieval wall paintings, spectacular stained glass windows, and the shrine of Alban, Britain’s first saint.
Mondays - Saturdays 11.30am, 1.05pm and 2.30pm Sundays 1.05pm and 2.30pm
Free admission, donations welcome. These tickets are for individuals or small family groups only. Please see the website for details.
Tower Tours
Selected dates and times
Join our expert guides on a visit behind closed doors to explore the roof spaces including the ringing and bell chambers, before the final climb onto the roof of the tower. There are a total of the 211 steps up to the top of the oldest cathedral tower in Britain where you will be rewarded with fantastic views of St Albans (weather permitting).
Tickets £10, available from our website. Restrictions apply. Please see the website for details.
Group Tours
Varying days and times
To allow you to make the most of your visit to the Cathedral, we require groups of six or more to book their tours in advance. The Guides can provide a general tour or something specially tailored to your group’s needs or interests.
Please get in touch mail@stalbanscathedral.org or call us on 01727 890200.
Visually Impaired Persons Tour
Last Friday of the month, 1.30pm
We are delighted to be able to offer our free guided tours for individuals with visual impairments. A dedicated group of guides have been trained to deliver these audio-described tours so that our magnificent building can be more accessible.
Tickets are free and available from our website and the Cathedral Box Office. Please visit the website for details.
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More to Explore Tours
Selected dates, 1.30pm
Discover more of the treasures of the Cathedral with an experienced guide.
Sunday 17 September | The ‘Other’ Wall Paintings
Sunday 8 October | Stained Glass – Scenes from the Bible
Sunday 12 November | From the Muniments Room
Free tickets are available from our website.
Abbey by Night
Selected dates in October and November, 8pm and 8.30pm
As darkness descends and candles are lit be transported back to the medieval abbey and meet the characters - both monks and pilgrims - to whom this great abbey was home. See and hear the inspiring tales these men and women have to tell.
Tickets available from our website.
Special Tours
Selected dates and times. Tickets are available from our website.
Graffiti Tour
Come learn about how people have left their mark, scratched in stone, on the building down through the ages. You will encounter some fascinating examples of medieval graffiti including animals, people, masons’ marks and inscriptions in various forms.
Divine Designs
This tour explores how scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical principles have been used to build and beautify the church. Discover the ingenious science of stained glass, how a 5,000 tonne tower has stood for nearly 1,000 years, and why the Wallingford Clock was the most advanced astronomical clock at the time it was made.
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Renaissance | Illuminating the Past
Tuesday 24 October - Saturday 28 October
Be transported out of the Dark Ages into a time that changed culture forever, in this mesmerising light show at St Albans Cathedral.
hemed art show
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General tickets
Experience the light show with friends and family.
Tuesday to Saturday from 6pm.
Light show lates
Over 18s only. Ticket includes a glass of prosecco.
Thursday to Saturday from 8.30pm, last ticketed entry at 9pm.
SEND Sunset
An early time slot as the sun is setting for our SEND visitors.
Wednesday to Saturday at 5.45pm (limited tickets).
Tickets from £10 for adults, £5 for children.
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© Salisbury Cathedral Renaissance Luxmuralis 2022
Worship Regular Services
Whether you prefer silent prayer or meditation, attending services, or lighting a candle, we welcome all to worship. It is the heartbeat of our life at the Cathedral.
Sundays
8am Eucharist
9.30am Parish Eucharist
11.15am Choral Eucharist (1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays)
11.15am Matins (3rd Sunday)
12.30pm Eucharist (3rd Sunday)
6pm Choral Evensong
Saturdays
8.30am Morning Prayer 9am Eucharist
12noon Eucharist at the Shrine 5pm Evensong
Weekdays
7.30am Morning Prayer
8am Eucharist
12noon Eucharist at the Shrine 5pm Evensong (Evening Prayer on a Monday)
Monthly Services
4th Wednesday 10am Mothers’ Union Eucharist
5th Saturday 2.30pm Diocesan Service for the Deaf
Ecumenical Services
The Cathedral also has a thriving Ecumenical Chaplaincy, regularly holding services for different Christian traditions.
Roman Catholic Mass is celebrated every Friday at 12noon.
German Lutheran
A service in German is held on the last Tuesday of every month at 7pm.
Free Church
First Wednesday of every month at 11am.
Orthodox Liturgy
A service is held once a month on a Tuesday at 10.30am.
Please see the website for more information.
A Day Chaplain is available to talk to most days.
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Special Services
The Cathedral hosts many special services throughout the year.
Blessing of School Bags
Sunday 10 September, 9.30am
We invite children to bring their school bag to be blessed at the start of the school year.
Jewish New Year
Sunday 10 September, 1.30pm
St Albans Masorti Synagogue will be marking the Jewish New Year by blowing shofars (Ram’s Horns) from the Cathedral tower.
All Creatures Great and Small | Pet Blessing Service
Sunday 1 October, 3pm
Bring your pet along – large or small – for an informal service of hymns, prayers and blessing.
Harvest Festival
Sunday 8 October
We celebrate God’s creation and generous provision as we support others in our Harvest collections at all our services.
Saying Goodbye
Monday 9 October, 7pm
A quiet service of reflection and prayer as part of Baby Loss Awareness Week for those who have lost a baby or young child.
All Souls Requiem Eucharist
Thursday 2 November, 5pm
An opportunity to come and remember our loved ones who have died.
Remembrance Sunday
Sunday 12 November, 10.50am
We gather to remember the fallen in our wars and to pray for peace.
Light Up a Life Service with Rennie Grove Hospice
Saturday 25 November, 2.30pm
Carols and Prayers for families who have lost a loved one to cancer.
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© Toby Shepheard Photography
Celebrating 40 years of Ecumenism at St Albans Cathedral
This October we celebrate the 40th anniversary of both the Roman Catholic and Free Church Ecumenical chaplaincies, and indeed the 50th of the German Lutheran services, alongside our regular celebrations of the Orthodox liturgy. To mark this historic anniversary and unique gift, come and join in our shared celebrations, and in particular our recommitment to our ecumenical work at Evensong on Sunday 15 October at 6pm.
Free Church Service
Wednesday 4 October, 11am in the Lady Chapel.
Roman Catholic Mass
Friday 13 October, 12noon in the Lady Chapel.
Free Church Choirs Festival
Saturday 14 October, 7pm in the Nave.
Choral Evensong with Ecumenical Recommitment
Sunday 15 October, 6pm in the Quire.
Preacher: The Bishop of St Albans
Orthodox Liturgy
Tuesday 17 October, 10.30am in the Lady Chapel.
German Lutheran Service
Tuesday 31 October, 7pm in the Lady Chapel.
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© Still Cast Photography
Advent & Christmas
Join us for the festive season! Look out for our special Advent and Christmas brochure for full details in December.
Advent Procession
Sunday 3 December, 6pm
Christingle
Sunday 10 December, 2.30pm
Carols on the Hour
Saturday 16 December, 11am - 4pm, on the hour every hour
Live Nativity Trail
Saturday 16 December, 12noon - 3pm
Parish Eucharist with Nativity Play
Sunday 17 December, 9.30am
Lessons and Carols
Thursday 21 and Friday 22 December, 7.30pm
Crib Services
Sunday 24 December, 1pm and 2.30pm
Christmas Eve Vespers
Sunday 24 December, 5pm
Midnight Mass
Sunday 24 December, 11pm
Christmas Day
Monday 25 December
Eucharist, 8am
Parish Eucharist, 9.30am
Choral Eucharist, 11.15am
Boxing Day Carols
Tuesday 26 December, 4pm
New Year’s Eve
Sunday 31 December
Eucharist, 8am
Combined Eucharist, 10am
Carol Service, 4pm
Music
Music has been central to the life of the Cathedral for centuries. Join us for a magnificent programme of concerts.
Organ Recitals
Join us for one of our fantastic free Organ Concerts, with retiring collections in aid of Cathedral music funds.
Sunday 10 September, 3pm in the Nave
Tom Winpenny, Assistant Master of the Music.
Wednesday 20 September, 12.30pm in the Crossing
Timara Easter, Harpenden.
Saturday 30 September, 6.30pm
International Organ Festival recital.
Wednesday 11 October, 12.30pm in the Crossing
Arturo Barba, Valencia, Spain.
Wednesday 15 November, 12.30pm in the Crossing
Andrea Albertin, Padua, Italy.
Sunday 10 December, 4.45pm in the Crossing
Tom Winpenny performs Olivier Messiaen’s La Nativité du Seigneur.
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© Toby Shepheard Photography
Concerts
Tickets and more information about our upcoming concerts can be found on our website.
The Sixteen Concert
Saturday 16 September, 7.30pm
Celebrating the legacy of William Byrd - one of choral music’s most treasured composers
The Best of Hans Zimmer & John Williams Illuminated
Thursday 21 September & Thursday 23 November, 7:30pm
Cinema’s most magical music performed by London Film Music Orchestra illuminated.
Hertfordshire Chorus: Brahms, Strauss and Rosenberg
Saturday 7 October, 7.30pm
A performance of Ein deutches Requiem by Brahms, Richard Strauss’s Four Last Songs and a short piece written by Kurt Rosenberg.
St Albans Bach Choir
Saturday 11 November, 7.30pm
John Rutter and Andrew Lucas conduct St Albans Bach Choir in a performance of John Rutter’s Magnificat and Requiem
St Albans Choral Society
Saturday 18 November, 7.30pm
St Albans Choral Society perform Handel’s Messiah with Orchestra Nova under the direction of music director, George Vass.
The Snowman Tour 2023
Saturday 2 December, 3.15pm and 6.30pm
Make it a Christmas to remember with a very special performance featuring two of the UK’s best-loved and iconic animated films, The Snowman and Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers, with live accompaniment from an outstanding professional orchestra.
The Hospice of St Francis Carol Concert
Sunday 3 December, 3pm
Returning for its seventh year with performances by talented local choirs and plenty of merry audience participation.
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Willow Foundation – Christmas Charity Concert
Tuesday 5 December, 7.30pm
An evening of your favourite Christmas Carols sung by the spectacular Hertfordshire Chorus in aid of the Willow Foundation.
St Albans Bach Choir Carol Concerts
Saturday 9 December, 3pm and 7pm
Join the St Albans Bach Choir, Embassy Brass and James McVinnie for two concerts of Christmas music.
New Years Day Concert
Monday 1 January, 7pm
Join St Albans Symphony Orchestra for this special service to welcome in the new year.
Tickets for our concerts are available from our website.
Calling
future choristers!
The Cathedral’s Choirs (boys and girls) are renowned internationally. We are pleased to audition children aged 7–9 who love to sing.
Sacred choral music is a tradition stretching back hundreds of years. Becoming part of this tradition gives children opportunities to enjoy making music to the highest standard, to make new friends and to learn about team-work and commitment.
For further information, please contact Lizzie Birnie
lizzie.birnie@stalbanscathedral.org
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© Toby Shepheard Photography
Talks and Workshops
St Albans Cathedral offers a rich programme of adult learning events designed to explore faith, history and culture from many different angles.
Plato’s Apology II
Saturday 9 September, 10.30am - 3.30pm, Alban Room
Explore a classical Greek text full of antagonistic wit and plainness of speech with our experienced tutor.
Tutor: Anthony Armstrong
Tickets £25, available from our website.
Uproar! with Alice Loxton
Wednesday 27 September, 7.30pm - 9pm, Alban Room & Online Set against a backdrop of royal madness, political intrigue, the birth of modern celebrity and the French Revolution, join Alice to delve into UPROAR!: Satire, Scandal and Printmakers in Georgian London.
Speaker: Alice Loxton, widely known as History Alice
Tickets £12, available from our website.
Women, the Church Fathers, and Armenian Christianity
Thursday 12 October, 7.30pm - 9pm, Alban Room & Online
Discover more about the significant role of women in the Armenian Church - one of Christianity’s most ancient communities.
Speaker: Dr David Zakarian
Tickets £10 (students £6), available from our website.
Sparking Wonder — Science, Religion, and Magic
Monday 16 October, 7.30pm - 9pm, Alban Room & Online
Discover how the triple helix of science, religion, and magic contributes to a more wonder-full life with atomic physicist and member of the Magic Circle, Dr Matt Pritchard.
Speaker: Dr Matt Pritchard
Tickets £12, available from our website.
Graffiti Throughout Time | Workshop with Ant Steel
Saturday 28 October, 10.30am - 3.30pm, Alban Room
Create a unique and collaborative graffiti piece and learn about the revolutionary and controversial history of this artistic medium.
Tutor: Ant Steel, Artist in Residence
Tickets £25, available from our website.
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Sir Ninian Comper 1864 – 1960
Thursday 9 November, 7.30pm - 9pm, Alban Room & Online
Before Remembrance Sunday, uncover the story of our West End Window as a WWI memorial and more about its creator, Sir Ninian Comper.
Speaker: Geoffrey Hollis
Tickets £10, available from our website.
Particular People: Portraits and the Long Renaissance Saturday 11 November, 10.30am - 3.30pm, Offa Room
Explore the revival of portraiture in European art during the Renaissance and what images of identity and individuality reveal about cultural and spiritual development.
Speaker: Revd Dr Iain Lane
Tickets £25, available from our website.
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Roaring, Writing, Ruling, Rebelling: Medieval Women and Their Manuscripts
Wednesday 15 November, 7.30pm - 9pm, Alban Room & Online
From famous queens to ordinary women, journey through the documents that tell us about female artists, authors, readers, scribes, and patrons – uncovering clues in scribbled notes, microscopic pigment particles, and in texts that speak to us from across the centuries.
Tutor: Mary Wellesley
Tickets £12, available from our website.
Wonder, Wisdom and Worship: God’s Gift of Science
Thursday 23 November, 7.30pm - 9pm, Alban Room & Online
From the vastness of the universe to the uncertainty of the quantum world, David Wilkinson will give us a speed of light visual tour of science and faith.
Speaker: Revd Dr David Wilkinson
Tickets £10 (students £6), available from our website.
The Vikings: Vandals or Victors of St Albans?
Wednesday 6 December, 7.30pm - 9pm, Alban Room & Online
Uncover a story of Viking rampage and discover why St Albans was likely a natural target for their attacks.
Speaker: Steve Clarke
Tickets £10 (students £6), available from our website.
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Young People
We offer an exciting array of groups for young people at the Cathedral.
Abbey Tots
Tuesdays, 10am, Offa Room
Come along to this popular parent and toddler group for pre-schoolers and their parents or carers. Free tickets available on our website.
Abbey Tots Service
Thursdays, 10am, St Michael Chapel
Our service for pre-school age children includes Bible stories, songs and prayers, as well as a snack and special meal.
St Albans Young Singers
Mondays, 4.45pm and 5.15pm
A lively singing group for all aged 6 - 12, with fun and varied music.
This group is open to anyone who is enthusiastic about music.
Xcite
Fridays, 6.30pm, Alban Room
A youth group for those aged 8 - 12, meeting during term time. It is the perfect opportunity to socialise and have fun with friends.
Youth Group
1st and 3rd Sundays each month during term time, 7pm8.15pm
Our new fun and sociable youth group for ages 13 - 17 meets for games, conversation, hot chocolate, and activities twice a month.
Email our Youth Chaplain calum.zuckert@stalbanscathedral.org or our Children and Families Worker anna.chambers@stalbanscathedral.org for more information.
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©Toby Shepheard Photography
Exhibitions and Events
Peace Doves | The Making of an Installation
September - December
Write your own thoughts, prayers or wishes on a paper dove, which will be displayed as part of a major installation in the Cathedral. Free, donations welcome. The doves will be displayed in 2024.
Art of the Abbey, an exhibition by Martin Clark
Tuesday 19 September – Sunday 1 October, North Transept
A multi-media art exhibition by local artist Martin Clark, exploring the Cathedral from different perspectives.
Free, donations welcome.
Free Winter Clothes Give Away
Friday 29 September, 2pm – 4pm
The third edition of our popular and environmentally-friendly clothes give away. More information is available on our website.
Sacred Harp Singing Sessions
Sunday 15 October, 2pm - 3.30pm, Lady Chapel
Join the renowned London Sacred Harp group for a singing session of traditional “shapenote” songs.
Free, donations welcome.
Artist in Residence | Graffiti Drops-ins
Saturday 21 October, 11.30am - 1.30pm
Find out about graffiti art and history and contribute to the making of a major collaborative project.
Free, donations welcome.
Artist in Residence | Family Graffiti Workshop
Monday 23 October, 11am - 12.30pm
Learn more about graffiti art and create your own Renaissance themed masterpiece.
Suitable for ages 11 and older. Tickets available on our website.
Artist in Residence Exhibition
1 November - 29 November
An exhibition by Ant Steel marking the end of the residency. See pictures made by the local community throughout Ant’s residency displayed alongside his solo artworks.
Free, donations welcome.
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Fireworks Spectacular
Join us for the annual St Albans Fireworks Spectacular in Verulamium Park!
Saturday 4 November. Gates open from 6pm, fireworks at 7.30pm.
Come and enjoy this spectacular display in Verulamium Park, in aid of local charities Youth Talk and Open Door St Albans.
Early bird tickets | Adult £7.50, children under 16 £4, children 3 and under free, family £17.50.
Tickets on sale from the beginning of October.
© Paul Wilkinson
The Friends of St Albans Cathedral
The Friends of St Albans Cathedral are an independent charity providing financial and practical support to the Cathedral.
The Friends play a vital role in enabling the life and work happening in our glorious building to develop and thrive as it has done for nearly 1000 years.
“The Friends of St Albans Cathedral are a key part of the ongoing flourishing of our mission and ministry through their generous support.”
The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans
For more information on how to join the Friends and support our valuable work, 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, Hertfordshire, AL1 1BY
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© Toby Shepheard
Photography
Adopt St Albans Cathedral A gift with a difference
Are you looking for a unique gift? Why not adopt St Albans Cathedral! Choose a Roman brick from the Norman tower, a pipe from the organ, or an historic manuscript from the Cathedral archive.
Each bespoke Gift Pack includes details of the adoption, a certificate and your personal message. Adoptions last 100 years and are recorded under the name of your choosing in our archives in perpetuity. They can be made as a gift, personal donation or in memory of a loved one.
Adoption gifts range from £25 to £1000 in each of the three categories. Your gift supports the future of this historic Cathedral.
Find out more about our Adopt scheme at www.stalbanscathedral.org/adopt or email development@stalbanscathedral.org
© Toby Shepheard Photography
Opening times
The Cathedral is open daily 8.30am – 5.30pm.
Entry is free
All donations are gratefully received.
Tickets
Book online at www.stalbanscathedral.org, in-person at our Box Office, located in the Cathedral Shop, or call 01727 890290.
For the latest information visit our website and sign up for our What’s On newsletter.
St Albans Cathedral
Sumpter Yard, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 1BY Cathedral Office: 01727 890210
Email: mail@stalbanscathedral.org
www.stalbanscathedral.org
/StAlbansCathedralOfficial
@stalbanscathedral
@StAlbansCath
@stalbanscathedral
“... every time I visit, it feels like the first time. There’s just something breath taking about it.”
CBP018023
