Hertfordshire's historic buildings span Roman times to Jacobean era

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 18:02 · Archive

Hertfordshire is home to extraordinary historic buildings including St Albans Cathedral, Hatfield House and Knebworth House.

Hertfordshire is home to extraordinary historic buildings spanning from Roman times to the Jacobean era. These landmarks have witnessed centuries of change and continue to tell the story of the county's rich past.

St Albans Cathedral stands on the site where Britain's first Christian martyr, Alban, was buried. The cathedral traces its origins to a medieval abbey founded in 1077 and today boasts the longest nave in England. Its construction incorporates Roman bricks recycled from the nearby Verulamium. Over the centuries, the cathedral has been central to religious, political and civic life in Hertfordshire. Pilgrims travelled from across medieval England to visit the shrine of St Alban, whilst the building itself has survived dissolution, reform and war.

Hatfield House, completed in 1612 by Robert Cecil, the 1st Earl of Salisbury, is one of England's finest Jacobean country houses. It occupies the site of the earlier Hatfield Palace, where the future Queen Elizabeth I spent much of her childhood. The estate played a crucial role in Tudor history and was reportedly the location where Elizabeth learned she had become queen in 1558. The current red-brick mansion contains impressive state rooms, historic artworks and extensive gardens and remains home to the Cecil family.

Knebworth House has been associated with the Lytton family for more than 500 years. Although its origins lie in a 15th-century manor house, the building was dramatically remodelled in the 19th century into the Gothic-style landmark it is today.

How it is being reported

• 8 buildings in Hertfordshire hiding centuries of historyFrom Roman burial monuments and medieval churches to grand Jacobean mansions, Hertfordshire is home to some extraordinary historic buildings.Herts Advertiser · 20 Oct, 17:30
• 8 buildings in Hertfordshire hiding centuries of historyFrom Roman burial monuments and medieval churches to grand Jacobean mansions, Hertfordshire is home to some extraordinary historic buildings.The Comet · 20 Oct, 17:30

In this story: St Albans Cathedral · Hatfield House · Knebworth House · Robert Cecil · Elizabeth I · Lytton family · Verulamium · Hertfordshire

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