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.
Open 10:30am to 5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays from Easter to the end of September. Also open other special dates. For exact dates see www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/clock-tower