South West View of St Alban's Abbey
Artist: [Schnebbilie, I.]
St Albans Cathedral in Hertfordshire, England. A Benedictine Abbey was founded here in the 8th century by King Offa of Mercia. The Abbey grew in size and wealth and became an important centre for religious life in the South East; in the 12th century Pope Adrian IV (the only English Pope), made St Albans the principal Abbey of England. The Abbey was not only the centre of religious life but was also an important political centre; in 1213 a council was held there at which Magna Carta was drafted. In 1539, during the Reformation the Abbey was surrendered to Henry VIII but escaped destruction and in 1553 was purchased by the Mayor and Burgess of the town of St Albans to be used as a parish church. The building was renovated again during the 19th century and became a Cathedral in 1877.