Letter: In Brief

Sir: It should be self-evident that St Alban has the best claim to be patron saint of England, replacing Middle-Eastern George (Review, 23 April). Alban is anchored in historical fact as the first Christian martyr on these shores. St Albans Abbey stands upon the site of his execution and burial place. He was executed for seeking to protect someone fleeing the authorities, in this case a Christian priest. The abbey became a pilgrimage centre in the Middle Ages, remaining a place of great power, beauty and mystery today. So cry, "Alban for Albion," I say.

SANDY WALKINGTON

Welwyn, Hertfordshire