Name: Waltham Abbey Gatehouse and Bridge
Rating: 5.0

Waltham Abbey Gatehouse and Bridge

Waltham Abbey Gardens, Abbeyview, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1XQ, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Waltham Abbey Gatehouse and Bridge explore the fascinating remnants of one of the great monastic foundations of the Middle Ages at this important site, based in the historic market town of Waltham Abbey. With origins dating back to the early 11th century, the site adopted many religious functions over the years (including as a church and priory) before eventually becoming home to one of the most prosperous and important abbeys in the country: the final resting place of King Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, and later housing the Waltham Bible.

Although the abbey was dissolved in 1540 (the last monastic house in England to be surrendered to the Crown), visitors can still see a fine 14th century gatehouse and bridge that remains, as well as the walls of the post-medieval house that was built following its dissolution.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Waltham Abbey Gatehouse and Bridge: The gatehouse and bridge at Waltham Abbey are among the remnants of one of the great monastic foundations of the Middle Ages. The abbey is the traditional resting place of King Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king.
Origins: Harold II’s father, Harold Godwin, Earl of Wessex, is said to have been cured miraculously of paralysis by praying before the Holy Rood (or Cross) at Waltham, and in gratitude refounded the church there in 1030. It was again rebuilt in the early 12th century and the nave of this third building remains in use today.
In 1177 the church was refounded as an Augustinian priory, later an abbey, and became one of the most prosperous and important abbeys in the country. Its fine library was home to the early 13th century Waltham Bible.
Waltham was the last monastic house in England to be dissolved and it was granted to the Denny family in 1540. The walls of the post-medieval house that was built on the site can still be seen.
Description: The western and southern walls of the late 14th-century abbey gatehouse contain some unusually large red bricks, probably contemporary with the building. In the west wall are two arched gateways, dressed in limestone – a wide carriage entrance and a smaller one for pedestrians.
The original bridge to the gatehouse has been replaced, but ‘Stony Bridge’ across the Cornmill Stream is 14th-century. Of the extensive domestic buildings that lay to the north of the church, only parts of the cloister and chapter house walls are now visible.

Facilities

Parking: The abbey remains sit within Waltham Abbey Gardens and these have a car park accessible from the roundabout on the B194 at the junction of Abbey View and Crooked Mile. The car park is not managed by English Heritage and there is a charge for it depending on the length of your stay - up to one hour is £1, up to two hours is £2, up to three hours is £3, up to four hours is £4 and over four hours is £5.
Toilets: There are no facilities at the abbey remains but they are in the town of Waltham Abbey where there are shops and places to eat.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: Waltham Abbey Gardens, Abbeyview, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1XQ, UK

Post Code: EN9 1XQ

Council: Epping Forest

County: Essex

Road Access: In Waltham Abbey off A112.
Bus Access: Regal 211, 212, 213 & 240; Regal/Arriva 250 & 251; Network Harlow 505; Roadrunner 255; TWH 55.
Train Access: Waltham Cross 1 1⁄4 miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: The abbey remains sit within Waltham Abbey Gardens and these have a car park accessible from the roundabout on the B194 at the junction of Abbey View and Crooked Mile. The car park is not managed by English Heritage and there is a charge for it depending on the length of your stay - up to one hour is £1, up to two hours is £2, up to three hours is £3, up to four hours is £4 and over four hours is £5.