St Albans: A History
Merchant: Oxfam
Merchant's Category: Media> Books
Presents an important history of St Albans. This title combines local history with important national themes. This book covers more than 2,000 years of history. St Albans - or Verulamium - was one of the largest and most important towns in Roman Britain, and the site of Britain's first Christian martyrdom. After the fall of the Roman town, a small community of Christians remained, and out of the dark ages emerged St Albans abbey, one of the most significant religious houses of medieval England. However, the history of later medieval St Albans was dominated by conflict between the abbey and the civic authorities. The monks repeatedly thwarted the ambitions of the townspeople, and it was only after the dissolution of the abbey that St Albans was able to secure self-government. This book traces the evolution of urban government in St Albans, and the people's experiences of the political upheavals that beset England in this period.Like many other towns, St Albans was touched by the wars of the Roses, the civil war, and many lesser conflicts.In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, the economic importance of St Albans as a 'thoroughfare town', on a main road north from London, grew. St Albans also became a centre of straw-plaiting, while at the other end of the social scale, the town was known as a center of political bribery and corruption.In modern times St Albans has grown substantially, along with other towns in the commuter belt. Extended suburban housing development was made possible by the railway, which arrived in 1858, and the spread of car ownership. St Albans - which became a city in 1877 - has been described as 'a terribly smug place', but has much to recommend it, not least the long and varied history which has itself remained an important theme in the city's cultural life. The book deals with all aspects of the history of St Albans, but is particularly concerned with the economic and social life of the city. Two themes stand out: the constant economic, political and cultural pull of London, and the ways in which St Albans has promoted, and been influenced by, its own past. "St Albans: A History" is illustrated with more than 200 images, most in full colour.
More details from Oxfam
Follow Oxfam to get news updates and products on your homepage.
Oxfam is being followed by 0 people.
Follow Oxfam
Delivery Details
Specific details for this product: No specific details given.General Delivery details for Oxfam:
Oxfam delivers only to the UK
£3.95 flat fee and free returns.
- UK Delivery only
- Free returns
No review added yet - be the first!
Reviews and Comments
If you own this product already, please write a quick review to help others:
Current Special Offer at Oxfam:
Comments and Feedback
This is an experimental quick comments form. Please use it to point out a mistake, tell us about a closed shop or a quick comment about the page you are on. Any comment/feedback left here may be added to the page if it is helpful.
Oxfam
Read more about Oxfam
Shop at Oxfam online! There are the usual Oxfam goodies as well as a huge selection of second hand and vintage clothes, music, dvds, books and homewares. Also find wedding favours, rare books, ceramics, stamps and coins.