Waltham Abbey
A church containing a stone crucifix from Somerset was rebuilt on this spot by King Harold II in 1050. It is said that Harold’s body was taken here after the Battle of Hastings in 1066 to be buried. Two stones mark the spot, to the East of the present building. The present building is the fourth on this site and was built in 1177 by Henry II as an Augustinian priory, in part penance for the murder of Thomas a Becket. The Abbey was subsequently the last to be destroyed by Henry VIII in 1540.
Open most of the time. Admission free.
ATTRACTION WEBSITE
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS IN HERTFORDSHIRE
Ashridge Estate
Benington Lordship Gardens
The Gardens of the Rose
Hatfield House
Hitchin British Schools Museum
Knebworth House
Shaws Corner
St Albans Abbey
St Pauls Waldenbury
Tring Natural History Museum
Verulamium Museum
Welwyn Roman Baths