NEAR EDGWARE is near St Albans.As it is Sanctuary-Saturday, and I’m feeling all historical, I decided to keep my focus close to home.
Today, when we think of the word sanctuary, we imagine a place of safety. The story of St Albans is that a Roman soldier gave sanctuary to a Christian priest in the days when that was a certifiable action, and a crime, punishable by death.
After his execution, Alban’s head bounced down hill creating a natural spring. Being made a saint after something like that, was pretty much a given, especially in those days.
The fact that Britain’s first Christian martyr was buried in the cathedral – St Alban’s Abbey – is what makes the building a sanctuary.
Miracles still happen today: like the fact I can get my old car to the top of Holywell Hill, despite the fact that my vertigo makes me feel sick as a dirt, cheap chop or a dead dog!
In all seriousness, this is one of the most beautiful buildings near here. The fact that it was made, mostly, of recycled Roman ruins was, ecologically, very sound thinking.
Recycling can be seen in many different places.
Can you think of a more beautiful building made out of recycled materials?
