A New Chapter for St Albans History: Dr John Morewood Stands Down as President of St Albans & Hertfordshire Architectural & Archaeology Society (SAHAAS).

After six distinguished years at the helm, Dr John Morewood has stepped down as President of the St Albans & Hertfordshire Architectural & Archaeological Society (SAHAAS), handing the reins to Professor Mark Freeman. Professor Freeman is the author of the definitive modern history of the city. The transition, which starts on 1 June, marks the end of an era for one of the region's most respected heritage organisations and the beginning of another led by one of the city's foremost historians.

A Fond Farewell: Dr John Morewood's Six Years of Service

Dr Morewood's presidency, which concludes at the end of May, has been characterised by a deep commitment to bringing not just the city's layered past to life but a wide range of historical topics for modern audiences. While being an incredibly active President, John received his doctorate during his second term of office.

A farewell lecture, held on 26 May at the Church and online, saw Dr Morewood exploring the turbulent post-Civil War decade of 1649-1661, examining how St Albans and its prominent citizens—including Alban Cox of Beaumonts and Eleanor Countess of Sussex—fared as England grappled with being a republic without a king. The talk, titled "Into Another Mould? St Albans 1649-1661. What happened after the Civil Wars?", served as a fitting finale to a presidency that has illuminated the city's complex history.

The New President: Professor Mark Freeman

Succeeding Dr Morewood is Professor Mark Freeman, a University College London academic and resident of St Albans, who is widely regarded as the city's leading living historian. His book, St Albans: A History, first published in 2008 and substantially revised in 2023, has been hailed as the definitive account of more than two thousand years of the city's story.

Spanning over 400 pages, the work is a scholarly yet highly readable guide, tracing the city's evolution from the late Iron Age oppidum of Verlamion, through the Roman settlement of Verulamium, the medieval Abbey, and its development into a modern commuter city. Professor Freeman has noted that at every point in St Albans's history, two key themes play out: the constant economic and cultural pull of London, and an enduring awareness of the significance of its own past.

Born in St Albans in 1974 and educated at St Albans School and the universities of Oxford and Glasgow, Professor Freeman brings a unique personal connection to his scholarship. He is currently Professor of Social History and Education at University College London and has written extensively on modern British history, including The Pageants of St Albans: An Illustrated History (2020).

Continuity and Renewal

The Society, which has been a cornerstone of heritage preservation and historical research in the region for decades, now looks forward to a new chapter under Professor Freeman's leadership. His extensive academic background and his position as the author of the city's "masterful" modern history position him perfectly to lead the organisation into its next phase.

While Dr Morewood’s outgoing talk marked a reflective look at the political upheavals of the 17th century, Professor Freeman’s presidency is expected to continue the Society’s mission of making local history engaging and accessible. A recent council meeting agreed the leadership change, and Professor Freeman assumes the role of President on 1 June 2026 (his accession is subject to confirmation at the Society’s AGM on 22 September 2026).

The Society extends its deepest gratitude to Dr John Morewood for his six years of passionate service, insightful lectures, and leadership, and offers a warm welcome to Professor Mark Freeman, whose definitive work on the city ensures that the past remains a "powerful resource" for understanding the present.

Prof Tim Boatswain                 Date: 28/05/2026