3rd–4th century
Saint Alban, Protomartyr of Britain
The first martyr of the British Isles, who took the place of a hidden priest and was martyred instead of him.
Biography
Alban was a resident of Verulamium (today's St Albans) in Britain and hid in his house a priest being hunted by the authorities. Impressed by his guest's faith, he accepted his preaching and was baptised a Christian.
When soldiers came to arrest the priest, Alban put on his clothes and gave himself up in his place. Before the judge he boldly confessed his faith and refused to sacrifice to the Roman gods, for which he was tortured and beheaded, becoming the first martyr of the British Isles.