It is believed, based upon the writing of Matthew Paris, to have been founded in AD 948 by Abbot Ulsinus of St Albans.

The three churches, all of which still exist as active places of Christian worship, stand on the three main roads into St Albans.

In 1785, after a protracted wrangle between the rector and members of the vestry, who were not prepared to embark on what they considered extravagant repairs, the tower was underpinned with timber.

Reportedly only an hour-and-a-half's examination of the church enabled him to decide "what is necessary and desirable to do in the way of restoring it to a safe and creditable condition as far as the modern alterations leave it possible".

The west end is similar in design to that of the north transept in the abbey with a rose window flanked by turrets.

In the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders, Ricky and Bianca's second wedding was filmed inside and outside the church.