The story
The abbey church was rebuilt in the twelfth century, and its Norman nave survives. According to tradition, King Harold II was buried here after his death at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. A stone in the abbey gardens marks the spot.
Waltham Abbey was the last abbey in England to be dissolved, in 1540. The composer Thomas Tallis was organist here before the dissolution. Nearby, the Royal Gunpowder Mills produced explosives for centuries.
What to look for
- The Norman nave.
- King Harold's memorial stone.
- The abbey gardens.
- The Royal Gunpowder Mills.
Why it's worth seeking out
Waltham Abbey brings together several strands of English history: the Anglo-Saxon story of King Harold, the Norman architecture of the nave, the dissolution of the monasteries and the industrial history of the gunpowder mills. The abbey church is one of the finest Norman interiors near London, with massive patterned columns and a painted ceiling added in the Victorian era. The small town around the abbey has old streets and pubs, and the Lee Valley offers walks along the river.
Combine it with
Epping Forest, the Lee Valley White Water Centre and Walthamstow Wetlands are nearby.
Visiting tips
The abbey church is usually open to visitors. Check opening times for the Royal Gunpowder Mills.
Getting there
Waltham Cross station is a drive away. With Mason & Green, we can combine Waltham Abbey with Epping Forest.
Frequently asked questions
Is King Harold buried at Waltham Abbey?
According to tradition, yes.
When was the abbey dissolved?
In 1540, the last in England.
What are the Royal Gunpowder Mills?
A historic site where explosives were made for centuries.