Alban is the earliest Christian in Britain who is known by name and, according to tradition, the first British martyr. He was a soldier inthe Roman army, stationed at Verulamium, a city about twenty miles northeast of London, which is now called St. Alban’s.

Alban gave shelter to a Christian priest who was fleeing from persecution and was converted by him. When officers came to Alban’s house, he dressed himself in the garments of the priest and…