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Breakspear Avenue, ST. ALBANS, AL1 5EL

Housed in the former St Albans Prison, which had been built in 1867 and served in that tole until the 1920s. For many years it was then used as a council depot, but has now beed redeveloped for offices, including the local registry office in the gatehouse. The entrance (see Image) was made famous by its use in the title sequence of the 1970s BBC comedy series "Porridge". Seen here are the walls facing Grimston Road and Shirley Road. They are locally listed.

Along the old railway line between St Albans and Hatfield which is now a cycle route, the Alban Way. For a short line it had a lot of stations. Some are looked after by local enthusiasts, but not this one, although a name board has been put up. Otherwise it is just as overgrown as it was 19 years ago. Image It has been closed since 1951, so it's surprising that even this much remains.

Built in around 2000 on the site of the former Adult School. The site behind it, also now flats, was formerly the site of the Gaumont Cinema, opened in 1922 as the Grand Cinema Palace. From 1950 it was named the Gaumont, but closed in 1973, serving as a bingo club until 1973.

Located on the 'Alban Way' cycle and footpath are the remains of the passenger platform of the long disused 'Salvation Army Halt' station. Photographed looking Southwest. The name came from the Salvation Army printing works on Campfield Road. The station was part of the St Albans to Hatfield Railway which closed to passengers in 1951 and freight in 1964. It was also known as 'Sander's Siding' after Sander's Orchids on Camp Road and whose siding was behind the photographer.

Formerly The Crown Hotel the pub occupies a prominent location on Hatfield Road. It probably dates from the 1890s. The 1901 Census return gives the following occupiers: Mary Clarke, a licenced victualler, aged 54, a widow with her children Emily, Margery, William and Bernard, aged 28, 20, 17 and 13. In the 1911 Census it's the identical family, described as Mary Clarke, a licenced victualler, aged 65, a widow with her children Emily, Margery, William and Bernard, aged 38, 30, 27 and 24. By this time William was the manager of the public house while the other three were assisting in the business, all of the four children being single.

Road largely developed in the 1880s on the site of a former nursery, Ninedells.

On Camp Road, St Albans.

Shops in Hatfield Road St Albans

Road largely developed in the 1880s on the site of a former nursery, Ninedells.

Late Victorian pub at the junction of Hatfield Road with Camp Road. Locally listed.