Ten detailed information boards have been placed in the grounds of Waltham Abbey giving information about the very first pre-Conquest church, the founding of the monastery, historic events and the closure of the community by King Henry VIII.

The magnificent abbey church has survived as the town’s parish church. 

An unveiling was performed by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Petre. Although Waltham Abbey is on the edge of his county he claimed that the abbey church was his favourite Essex building.

Vicar Canon Martin Webster said: “The abbey church is absolutely delighted with the new signs. We’ve noticed already there has been great numbers of people stopping, reading and engaging with them, hopefully the people of the town will find them useful.”

The project is a partnership between the National Lottery Heritage Fund,  Waltham Abbey Town Council, Epping Forest District Council and Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

See page 89.