St Albans is a particularly interesting city to me. Most well-known for the Battles of St Albans and the cathedral, the town is chock full of history. If you have a few hours to spare, I highly recommend grabbing the Thameslink out of London and wandering around the city! And if you are paying close attention, you will spot some hidden historical gems. A small placard on the clock tower denotes that the Eleanor Cross in St Albans once stood in that very spot. And why does that matter?
Eleanor Crosses are quite unique, you won’t find them everywhere. They were erected by Edward I between 1291 and 1295 in memory of his wife Eleanor of Castile. The crosses mark the spots that her body rested each night on the twelve day journey back to London. Only three of the crosses survive, those at Geddinton, Waltham Cross, and Hardingstone. It is quite unfortunate that more of the crosses did not survive, as they were quite costly to build and were created by notable master masons. Such is the case for much of history, though!
You can’t help but notice the clock tower in St Albans. It marks an important place in the city, and has witnessed several important moments in history. “The Clock Tower, built between 1403 and 1412: A mediaeval bellfry almost unique in England, it contains a large curfew bell dating from 1335. The adjacent French row was occupied by the Dauphin’s troops in 1216. In the Fleur de Lys Inn, King John of France was detained for a time in 1350.” And of course, marks the site of the Eleanor Cross in St Albans! “Near this site stood the Eleanor Cross where the body of Queen Eleanor rested one night on its progress from Harby to Westminster, 13 December 1290.” It is a rather unique tribute to a spouse, and more romantic than most!
Have you seen the Eleanor Cross in St Albans? And if you are interest in St. Albans, the Cathedral has some hidden gems, as well!
Cheers,
The Historian
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