St Albans Cathedral, founded in the 8th century, the present building is Norman of the 11th century, with Gothic and 19th century additions. Shown here is ‘The shrine of St Alban' 🌹Its Purbeck marble base of 1308 supports a modern red and gold canopy under which rests a shoulder-blade said to come from the original relics of the saint’s body. The canopy is embroidered with English wildflowers, commemorating Bede’s description of Alban as ascending a hill "adorned with wild flowers of every kind