St Albans Clock Tower
St Alban's has a long history going back to Roman times, in fact being named for a Christian martyred by the Romans. Pictured here is the town's clock tower, the very heart of this small but historic village a half hour from London.
I've read the clock tower was built in the early 15th century in full view of the nearby Abbey's clock tower. Why two? I've read that it was something of a political statement, the local populace saying that they didn't need the church to handle its affairs. Whatever the reason, it's a beautiful piece of history that was nearly demolished in the 18th century but was restored instead. It's apparently the only one of its vintage remaining in England.
I really think this black and white photo does a wonderful job of drawing attention to the structure and details of the tower's architecture and still gives a feel of the rhythm of life here in St. Alban's. There are so many people at the base of the tower because it was a local heritage day when I visited and entry to climb the tower was free.
I've read the clock tower was built in the early 15th century in full view of the nearby Abbey's clock tower. Why two? I've read that it was something of a political statement, the local populace saying that they didn't need the church to handle its affairs. Whatever the reason, it's a beautiful piece of history that was nearly demolished in the 18th century but was restored instead. It's apparently the only one of its vintage remaining in England.
I really think this black and white photo does a wonderful job of drawing attention to the structure and details of the tower's architecture and still gives a feel of the rhythm of life here in St. Alban's. There are so many people at the base of the tower because it was a local heritage day when I visited and entry to climb the tower was free.
Copyright © Mark Tisdale
St Albans Clock Tower
St Alban's has a long history going back to Roman times, in fact being named for a Christian martyred by the Romans. Pictured here is the town's clock tower, the very heart of this small but historic village a half hour from London.
I've read the clock tower was built in the early 15th century in full view of the nearby Abbey's clock tower. Why two? I've read that it was something of a political statement, the local populace saying that they didn't need the church to handle its affairs. Whatever the reason, it's a beautiful piece of history that was nearly demolished in the 18th century but was restored instead. It's apparently the only one of its vintage remaining in England.
I really think this black and white photo does a wonderful job of drawing attention to the structure and details of the tower's architecture and still gives a feel of the rhythm of life here in St. Alban's. There are so many people at the base of the tower because it was a local heritage day when I visited and entry to climb the tower was free.
I've read the clock tower was built in the early 15th century in full view of the nearby Abbey's clock tower. Why two? I've read that it was something of a political statement, the local populace saying that they didn't need the church to handle its affairs. Whatever the reason, it's a beautiful piece of history that was nearly demolished in the 18th century but was restored instead. It's apparently the only one of its vintage remaining in England.
I really think this black and white photo does a wonderful job of drawing attention to the structure and details of the tower's architecture and still gives a feel of the rhythm of life here in St. Alban's. There are so many people at the base of the tower because it was a local heritage day when I visited and entry to climb the tower was free.