I begin my walk into Romeland and wander down Fishpool Street towards St Michael’s Village; its elevated pavements and numerous former coaching inns remind me that it was originally a stop on the mediaeval route from London to Chester.

According to antique maps, St. Albans originally grew up around the north, east, and west sides of the Abbey extending around the Market Place, along St. Peter’s Street, Holywell Street, High Street, and Fishpool Street, all of which apparently existed by the eleventh century.

This historic district is very picturesque, and even on a cloudy day, the red brick and flower baskets that hang from the timber frames make it feel warm. I absorb the old world charm of the rows of snug cottages, only two floors high and freshly painted in white; their front doors are brightly decorated in unique colours with shiny door knockers and letter boxes, each one exuding its own distinctive character.

With such a long and varied history, I’m not at all surprised that this city is a source of pride and enjoyment to its residents and attracts so many visitors. There were once as many as fourteen pubs alone in this street, offering home cooked pub food and a welcoming atmosphere.

The Lower red lion pub, the only remaining pub on the street, sells real ale, holds weekly quiz nights and even offers bed and breakfast; its main building dates back to the seventeenth century. Mmm I wouldn’t mind waking up in this location and looking out onto the magnificence of the Abbey while enjoying breakfast in bed!

Further down the street is St Michaels Manor Hotel, a stately manor house dating back to 1530, with five acres of beautifully manicured gardens and overlooking a tranquil lake. The perfect location for a wedding, or to impress your house guests with an afternoon tea.

I’d love to go on an historic city tour guide to find out more about the scandals and sinister events that took place over the centuries within these old streets; Mind you, I don’t think I’d like to meander home at night, all alone, after a pint or two through this apparently haunted thoroughfare!