15 Nov 2023
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This time: ecclesiastical rodent and social media legend the Mouse Bishop of St Albans (@MouseBishop on X/Twitter)
Where do you most like to have a picnic in St Albans?
Clarence Park, unless it’s a matchday – then I should be inside the stadium cheering on the Saints!
Are things getting better or worse?
On any given day, it will be getting better for some, and worse for others. And if you’re in the lucky category, think about what you can do for those who aren’t.
If you had a time machine, what year would you choose to visit and why?
As an Anglo-Saxon historian, I’d love to go back to the year 927, and witness King Athelstan being recognised as the first King of the English in Cumbria. We don’t know exactly where it happened, but a good bet is the neolithic Mayburgh Henge near Eamont Bridge, which I visited this summer. It’s an extremely atmospheric place.
What is your favourite single item of clothing?
My bishop’s mitre, naturally. I also have a mouse-sized covid facemask that I’m rather proud of; it’s a homemade one, depicting the St Albans flag.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district?
The medieval wall painting of St William of York in St Albans Cathedral is very easily missed, but absolutely magnificent – it’s tucked away in a corner, next to the watching loft and St Alban’s shrine.
Incidentally, it may originally have been intended to be St Hugh of Lincoln, but the name later changed – a medieval equivalent to a bit of Photoshopping.
Most inspirational St Albans person – living or dead?
St Alban himself, of course! You don’t need to be religious to take inspiration from a person who was willing to stand up for their beliefs and put themselves in harm’s way to protect someone else. It’s such a powerful message, that I think St Alban should be England’s patron saint – plus he also lived and died here, unlike St George!
Dogs or cats?
This is a relatively straightforward question for a rodent… dogs are our allies in the great struggle against feline tyrants.
Where do you buy your coffee in St Albans?
I love the Courtroom Café, because you can enjoy your drink (and – critically – cake) in a splendid historic setting. Did you know that the loos there are converted from old cells?! But as the weather gets colder, I’m increasingly opting for hot chocolate as my fancy drink of choice, and Knoops is absolutely fantastic for a luxury treat. I enjoy experimenting with all the different options they have.
What’s your favourite St Albans pub?
If there’s a place in England that has a better concentration of great pubs than St Albans, then I have yet to find it – we really are very lucky! And given such a fine selection, I feel it is my duty to patronise as many of them as I can – selfless of me, I know. Some personal favourites are the Six Bells, White Lion, and White Hart Tap.
What’s your favourite St Albans car park?
Great question. Keyfield Terrace – small but mighty, just like me.
