St Albans is one of the most historic places in Britain; with its medieval Abbey and important Roman ruins. However, there is much more to St Albans than these historical and archaeologically important landmarks that are located in the City centre.

A new book, published by the Museum of St Albans, aims to shed some light on the history behind the less high profile area of Fleetville which can trace its roots as a settlement back to the 18th century with the building of the road to Hatfield.

Fleetville: A community in St Albans, explains how the area experienced rapid change in the post-war years, but has still managed to retain its sense of community.

The book is the product of a two-year community-based project that has been supported by St Albans City and District Council. It follows a similar initiative focused around Marshalswick that last year resulted in the publication of the history of that area.

Councillor Melvyn Teare, the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Heritage at St Albans City and District Council said: “Fleetville: A community in St Albans is a compelling read that sets out the history behind what is an interesting area of St Albans.”

The book has been put together by three researchers from the Museum of St Albans with the help of input from other staff members and the reminiscences of a number of Fleetville’s inhabitants, both past and present.

Fleetville: A community in St Albans is available from the Museum of St Albans, Verulamium Museum and the Tourist Information Centre, St Albans and is priced at £6.