St Albans

St Albans, in Hertfordshire, is a city home to approximately 150000 people. It sits within the London commuter belt, and has a thriving cultural life of the arts and theatre. The cathedral, known locally as 'The Abbey' was founded in the 8th century, and displays 11th century Romanesque and gothic architecture with additions made in the 19th century.

The city is steeped in 2000 years of history, and in Roman times was known as the City of Verulamium - the first major town on Watling Street, the roman road for travellers heading North.

It has the only visible roman theatre in the UK, built around 140AD. Its ruins were discovered in 1847, and further excavations have revealed a variety of structures thought to date back to the First Century.

The Royal Charter Market has been selling local and handmade produce since the 9th Century. Because of it's commuter access, great schools, facilities and green space, St Albans has been recently voted as one of the top 10 places to raise a family in the UK.