St Albans, United Kingdom

Capital City

With a population of 82,146, this former Roman settlement has long shed its sleepy market town roots. The railway arrived in 1858, and the city's boundaries have expanded rapidly since, making it a popular commuter hub for London. However, bureaucracy remains a persistent headache - the town's administrative history is a tangle of parish divisions and local government restructuring. While the medieval cathedral and Roman ruins offer picturesque backdrops, St Albans' proximity to the capital means it's better suited for those seeking a convenient escape from the big city, rather than a tranquil countryside retreat.