The Clock Tower of St Albans: A Medieval Symbol of Civic Pride
Explore England’s only medieval town belfry, a symbol of St Albans’ independence and rich history with panoramic city views.
The Clock Tower in St Albans, built between 1403 and 1412, stands as England's only medieval town belfry. Erected by townsfolk as a bold statement against the powerful St Albans Abbey, it served multiple roles—from sounding curfews and alarms to acting as a semaphore station during the Napoleonic Wars. Visitors can explore its five floors, each revealing layers of history, and enjoy panoramic views of the historic city and surrounding landscapes.
A brief summary to The Clock Tower
- High St, St Albans, AL3 4EL, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Prepare for a climb of 93 narrow spiral steps; the tower is not wheelchair accessible.
- Visit between Easter and late September on weekends or bank holidays for public access.
- Look out for the original 1335 bell and the Victorian clock designed by Lord Grimthorpe.
- Enjoy panoramic views of St Albans Cathedral and the Roman Verulamium from the rooftop.
- Learn about the tower’s role in the Napoleonic Wars as a semaphore telegraph station.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and Walking
Take a train to St Albans City station from London St Pancras, with journey times of approximately 20 to 30 minutes. From the station, enjoy a 15-20 minute walk through the historic town center to reach the Clock Tower. The walk includes cobbled streets and some slight inclines, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
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Bus
Use local bus services such as routes 300 or 602 that connect St Albans with surrounding towns. The bus stop at St Albans High Street is about a 5-minute walk from the Clock Tower. Buses run frequently during weekdays and weekends, with fares typically between £2 and £4.
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Car
Driving to St Albans is possible with several public car parks near the city center, including the Verulamium Park car park. Parking fees range from £2 to £5 per hour. Note that the Clock Tower is in a pedestrianized zone, so you will need to park and walk approximately 5-10 minutes to the site.
The Clock Tower location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Clock Tower
A Defiant Medieval Landmark Rooted in Civic Independence
Constructed between 1403 and 1412 by Thomas Wolvey, a former Royal Mason, the Clock Tower was more than a timekeeper—it was a powerful political symbol. The townspeople of St Albans commissioned it as a statement of their autonomy and resistance against the dominant Benedictine Abbey, which wielded heavy control over local trade and taxation. Positioned prominently on higher ground, the tower literally looked the Abbey in the eye, asserting the town’s right to govern its own affairs and sound its own hours and curfew.Multifunctional Heritage Through the Centuries
Over its long history, the tower has served diverse functions. It was a lookout post, sounding alarms for fires or attacks, including the first Battle of St Albans in 1455 during the Wars of the Roses. The ground and first floors housed shops and shopkeepers’ lodgings until around 1900, while the second floor was home to the clock keeper and his family from 1412 to 1866. The third floor features a Victorian clock mechanism designed by Lord Grimthorpe, famed for his work on Big Ben. The original one-ton bell, cast in 1335, still hangs on the fourth floor, bearing witness to centuries of local history.Strategic Role in National Communications
During the Napoleonic Wars, the tower became part of a cutting-edge semaphore telegraph system. A shutter telegraph installed on its roof linked St Albans with coastal outposts like Great Yarmouth, enabling messages to travel nearly 300 miles in just five minutes on clear days. This network was vital for naval communications, connecting the Admiralty in London with the North Sea Fleet.Architectural and Cultural Significance
The Clock Tower is the only surviving medieval town belfry in England, a rare architectural gem that combines Gothic medieval design with Victorian restorations. Its five-story structure offers a unique glimpse into the evolving functions of civic buildings over centuries. The tower also stands near the site of the Eleanor Cross, marking where Queen Eleanor’s funeral procession rested on its way to Westminster Abbey in 1290, adding layers of royal history to the location.Visitor Experience and Views
Climbing the 93 narrow spiral steps to the rooftop rewards visitors with sweeping views of St Albans Cathedral, the Roman town of Verulamium, and the Hertfordshire countryside. The tower’s interior reveals historical exhibits on each floor, from medieval living quarters to the Victorian clockworks. Though access is limited by the narrow staircase, the immersive experience connects visitors directly with centuries of local heritage.Preservation and Community Engagement
Maintained by volunteers from the Civic Society and the St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural & Archaeological Society, the Clock Tower remains a cherished landmark. It is open seasonally, typically from Easter to late September on weekends and bank holidays. Ongoing conservation efforts ensure this emblem of St Albans’ civic pride continues to educate and inspire future generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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St Albans Cathedral
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St Albans Market
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Roman Wall of St Albans
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Verulamium Park
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Abbey View Retail Park
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Verulamium Museum
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Essential places to dine
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Le Moulin Restaurant
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St James Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Dressing Room
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Christopher Place Shopping Centre
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
