History has a way of leaving breadcrumbs, and sometimes, those breadcrumbs lead straight to fascinating discoveries. My latest deep dive into the past has uncovered the story of Francis Babb, a prominent figure in St Albans, Hertfordshire, during the late 16th century. His name appears in court documents, civic records, and even historical genealogies—but what really caught my attention was his connection to Le Clockhouse.
Who Was Francis Babb?
Francis Babb was no ordinary citizen. Born before 1532, he played a significant role in the governance of St Albans, serving as Mayor three times—first in 1583, then again in 1593, and finally in 1606. His involvement in civic affairs suggests he was a respected leader, deeply embedded in the town’s political and social fabric.
One of the most intriguing mentions of Francis Babb comes from a court document dated 21 February 1587, where his name appears as Francisco Babbs—a Latinized version of his name. This document records a property transaction involving Le Clockhouse, a tenement and house that had been granted to the burgesses of St Albans. Francis Babb was listed among the witnesses, alongside other notable figures like Nicholas Kempe, Robert Spencer, Johannes Gape, and Thomas Woolley.
The Mystery of Le Clockhouse
So, what exactly was Le Clockhouse? Historical records suggest that this property evolved into what is now known as the St Albans Clock Tower. Built between 1403 and 1412, the tower was originally called Le Clokkehouse and served as a civic landmark. Over the centuries, it became a symbol of the town’s independence, even functioning as a beerhouse in the 19th century.
Today, the Clock Tower still stands, offering visitors a chance to climb its 93 narrow steps to the top. It remains one of the few surviving medieval town belfries in England—a testament to the enduring legacy of St Albans’ rich history.
Tracing Francis Babb’s Footsteps
Francis Babb’s name also appears in The Herts Genealogist and Antiquary, which documents notable individuals from Hertfordshire. His presence in these records further cements his role as a key figure in St Albans’ history. While his lineage remains somewhat elusive, it’s clear that his contributions to the town were significant.
For those interested in exploring more about Le Clockhouse and its transformation into the Clock Tower, here are some links to historical images:
History is never just about names and dates—it’s about the stories that connect us to the past. Francis Babb’s legacy, intertwined with Le Clockhouse, is one of those stories that deserves to be remembered.
This document below started my search. Parts are in Latin which first had to be transcribed (read the English version below).
English Translation of the abstract:
Endorsed No. 16. Dated 21 Feb. 29 Eliz. [21 Feb 1586/87]
To all the faithful in Christ, etc. Johannes Sybley, son and heir of Johannes Sybley (formerly one of the principal burgesses of the borough of Saint Albans in Hertfordshire), deceased, in his lifetime surviving among the singular feoffees of a certain tenement with a house pertaining to the borough of Saint Albans, commonly called Le Clockhouse, etc.
Know that the aforesaid Johannes Sybley has granted, at the request of Willem Rolf (then mayor of the said borough and principal burgess), to the burgesses of the said borough and their successors, the tenement and house called Le Clockhouse with all its appurtenances. This property had previously belonged to Johannes Sybley and was in his possession by virtue of a certain concession of Nicholas Kempe (esquire, then steward of the borough), Robert Spencer (then alderman), and others.
The document also lists several witnesses, including Nicholas Kempe, Robert Spencer, Johannes Gape, Johannes Clark, Thomas Woolley, Francisco Babbs, Jacob Carter, Robert Gostwick, Robert Shropshire, and Thomas Rocket.
Link to source: The Herts genealogist and antiquary, Vol. 1
Cover Image: By Richard Gillinderivative work: MrPanyGoff – St Albans Clock TowerUploaded by MrPanyGoff, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20587249