Page "St Albans Cathedral" Paragraph 21

The abbey was extended in the 1190s by Abbot John de Cella ( also known as John of Wallingford ) ( 1195 – 1214 ); as the number of monks grew from fifty to over a hundred, the abbey was extended westwards with three bays added to the nave.

The severe Norman west front was also rebuilt by Hugh de Goldclif — although how is uncertain, it was very costly but its ' rapid ' weathering and later alterations have erased all but fragments.

A more prominent shrine and altar to Saint Amphibalus were also added.

The work was very slow under de Cella and was not completed until the time of Abbot William de Trumpington ( 1214 – 35 ).

The low Norman tower roof was demolished and a new, much higher, broached spire was raised, sheathed in lead.