Waltham Abbey is a market town of about 20,400 people in the south west of the county of Essex, in the East of England region. It is about 24 km north of London on the Greenwich Meridian and lies between the River Lea in the west and Epping Forest in the east. It takes its name from The Abbey Church of Waltham Holy Cross, which was prominent in the early history of the town. The ancient parish covering Waltham Abbey was known as Waltham Holy Cross. The town is in the District of Epping Forest and has its own town council and is twinned with the German town of Hörstel. Traditional market town - it's charter granted by Richard I in 1189. The impressive Waltham Abbey Church was founded by King Harold in 1060 - and he is reputedly buried here. Adjacent is a lovely area of parkland and gardens, including a dragonfly sanctuary. 16th C. timber-framed buildings and a fine 'Art Nouveau' Town Hall.
