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.
In response to the coronavirus outbreak, St Albans Museum + Gallery, Verulamium Museum, the Hypocaust and the medieval Clock Tower will be closed to the public from 5pm on Friday 20 March.
Generally from Easter to the end of September.
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays: 10.30am – 5pm (last admission 4.45pm)
The Clock Tower may occasionally need to close unexpectedly due to adverse weather conditions.
Opened by volunteers from the Civic Society and SAHAAS (The St Albans and Hertfordshire Architectural & Archaeological Society).
View a virtual tour to the Clock Tower via this video.
Adults £2, Children free
For access information, visit AccessAble.
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