History of Saint Alban

St Alban, the first Christian Martyr (Protomartyr) in England from the 4th Century and patron saint of converts and torture victims. Although a Roman soldier and a pagan, Alban sheltered a priest; Amphibalus, in his house. The priest made such a profound impression on him that he became a Christian himself.

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Soldiers raided Alban’s house and to help the priest escape, Alban and the priest swapped clothes. Alban was captured and ordered to renounce his faith. He proclaimed himself a Christian and refused to reject his faith.

The priest turned himself in when he heard of Alban’s arrest and imprisonment in the hope that Alban’s life would be saved. No mercy was shown and Alban and the Priest were tortured and beheaded.

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On the site of the execution now stands the Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban’s.

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The feast day of St Alban is June 22nd.