June is a big month in St Albans, as it marks the anniversary of the execution of Saint Alban, the first British saint. This event is marked by a pilgrimage through the city, with giant puppets retelling the story of Alban, a local man who lived in Roman times. Summarising in few words, Alban gave shelter to a homeless person who turned out to be priest, he became a Christian, refused to give up his faith, was sent to court and sentenced to death. He was executed close to the Roman city of Verulamium (now St Albans) and story has it that the executioner’s eyes fell out (they form part of the procession through town!).
Here is a pictorial summary (hover for captions and click to see larger)
As part of my monthly look at St Albans, here is a quick summery spin around the abbey, park and lake.
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Copyright Debbie Smyth, 24 June 2017
Posted as part of The Changing Seasons
Travel with Intent 
We have a St Albans here in Melbourne. I always wondered about the origin but never enough to look it up. Thanks for the enlightenment. Our St Albans is very different. A flat suburb with a large immigrant population and generally low socio-economic. Nice pics.
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Hehe, “eyes fell out”. Yes, that happens a lot. 😀
Nice photos!
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🙂
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Amazing! Look at that hair! I’m just curious, is that synthetic hair?
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Oh, I don’t know for sure but I’d say yes.
I loved the puppets – especially Alban. He looks rather sad (not surprising given his impending execution!)
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How wonderful is that 🙂
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I had a good morning, clambered (well fell) up the Clock Tower, had good coffee (and cake) in Gail’s and met a Sony photographer come videographer! But next year, you come with me!
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My first time there and it was great fun.
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Looks a lively procession, Debs!
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