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ny idea how you say ‘half a pound of apples, squire’ in Medieval English? Us neither. But it might come in handy if you’re heading to St Albans market, which has been going strong since the 9th-century.

This twice-weekly market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, on St Peters Street, and if you have trouble finding it, you could always try following your nose. There’s everything you need to whip up a delicious dinner – including fresh bread, fish and local meat.

If you prefer something a little more ‘continental, though, you might want to wait for the French market instead – held here at various times throughout the summer – or even the Italian. In fact, there are four markets held in this Hertfordshire town altogether – the other being the monthly farmers’ market.

If all this talk of food gets your appetite going, why not nip for a bite and a pint in Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, on nearby Abbey Mill Lane.

Apparently there’s been a pub on this site since the 8th-century, so if it’s your turn for a round, you might want to have that Medieval phrasebook handy again.