East of England - Hertfordshire

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ST ALBANS CLOCK TOWER

High Street,
St Albans
AL3 4EL
t: 01727 751810
e: museumbookings@stalbans.gov.uk
w: www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/clock-tower/

Built between 1403 and 1412, the Clock Tower is the only medieval town belfry in England and is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The tower with its fine bell has survived over 600 years of use. The Clock Tower was first and foremost a political statement. The townspeople used it to assert their freedom, power and wealth in the face of the premier Benedictine Abbey of England (now St Albans Cathedral).


The Tower allowed the town to sound its own hours and, until 1863, the Curfew. It also gave the alarm in case of ‘fire or fray’ – its bell rang out for the first Battle of St Albans during the Wars of the Roses in 1455. Today you can climb to the top of the Tower and enjoy magnificent views of St Albans, therefore, disabled access is difficult as there is a restricted entrance and 93 narrow steps to the top.

 

Opening times:

Easter to end of September

Saturday and Sunday only (and selected Bank Holidays), 10:30 – 17:00

 

Admission Charges: Adults £1, Children free