Nine Things You Probably Didn’t Know About St Alban
Perhaps this guy should be England’s Patron Saint
In the Calendar of Saints, we commemorate Alban on June 22
St. Alban is a captivating figure in British history, renowned as the first recorded martyr of the region. His extraordinary life, marked by an unwavering commitment to his faith, is filled with intriguing details that resonate with readers.
In 2021, a petition was made to the UK Parliament to have Alban instated as the Patron Saint of England — rather than St George, who — so far as we know — never even set foot in England.
The petition failed as Parliament ruled it was not within its remit to confer such an honor on anyone or alter historical precedent.
In this latest blog post of my Saints and Season series, we delve into the remarkable journey and lasting impact of St. Alban, presenting nine fascinating facts to illustrate his life and faith.
1. Early Life and Conversion
St. Alban was born in the third century in Verulamium, a Roman city known today as St Albans. It is situated in England, about 25 miles North of London.