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Alban lived in the Roman city of Verulamium. Although he was then a worshipper of Roman gods including the emperor, he gave shelter to a Christian priest
fleeing from persecution. Influenced by the priest's prayer and teaching he became a Christian.
When the authorities discovered the priest's hiding place Alban exchanged clothes with him. The priest escaped and Alban was bound and taken before the
judge. The judge was furious at the deception, and ordered that Alban should receive the punishment due to the priest, if he had indeed become a Christian.
Alban declared his Christian faith, saying in words still used here as a prayer "I worship and adore the true and living God, who created all things."
Despite flogging he refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods and was sentenced to death.
He was brought out of the town, across the river and up a hill to the site of execution where his head was cut off. Legend tells us that on the hill top a
spring of water miraculously appeared to give the martyr a drink, also that moved by his witness the original executioner refused to carry out the deed, and
that after his replacement had killed Alban the executioners eyes dropped out.
Bad Boy
Wendover
Alban St Albans Bells
Magna Carta Great Council Prayer
Godiva Mathew Paris Stephen Langton |
