A TALK on one of this country s most famous monarchs, Henry VIII, is being given in the nave of St Albans Abbey next Thursday evening, July 30. Dr Jonathan Foyle (pictured), chief executive of the World Monuments Fund Britain, who is a well-known architec

A TALK on one of this country's most famous monarchs, Henry VIII, is being given in the nave of St Albans Abbey next Thursday evening, July 30.

Dr Jonathan Foyle (pictured), chief executive of the World Monuments Fund Britain, who is a well-known architectural historian, lecturer and broadcaster, will be the speaker. Earlier this year he helped Time Team excavate Henry VIII's only major palace commission in the first half of his reign, the virtually forgotten New Hall in Essex.

In his talk next week, organised by the Friends of St Albans Abbey, he explains how Henry was both a creator and destroyer.

He said: "The theme is highly appropriate for St Albans where, towards the end of his reign, Henry had the monastic precinct razed - and but for the townspeople, the Abbey church itself would also have been lost."

Through analysing Henry VIII's architecture, he questions where the balance lies and should Henry's contribution to Britain's cultural legacy be celebrated or reviled?

The talk starts at 8pm and tickets at �9, which includes wine or soft drinks in the north transept from 7.30pm onwards, can be obtained from Julia Davies, events organiser, Friends of St Albans Abbey, Sumpter Yard, St Albans AL1 1BY.