St Albans Cathedral houses the Shrine of England’s first Christian martyr, Alban, who was killed in the late third century. The current church dates mostly from the Norman period and was built with recycled brick and flint from Roman Verulamium. It was extended in the 12^th and 13^th centuries in stone, and has one of the longest naves in the country. Inside there is an unparalleled series of wall paintings, dating from the late 12^th to the 16^th century. The early 14^th century shrine is overlooked by a very rare early 15^th century watching loft. A modern building on the site of the medieval Chapter House contains a Café and gift shop.