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Waltham Abbey

Press and media informationProduced by Waltham Abbey Town Partnership (WATP)

www.watp.org.uk

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Why be based at Waltham Abbey, the tranquil Market Town set in the Lea Valley?----------------------------------------4What's so special about Waltham Abbey?-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4

Waltham Abbey Gateway to England--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------5Local people to interview-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6

Experience Waltham Abbey----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 Waltham Abbey History through the ages---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7 Indoor locations for filming and interviewing----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 Indoor locations for filming and interviewing----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------13 Outdoor locations for filming and interviewing-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------14

Storing equipment safely overnight--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15Car Parks--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15

Some of the facilities on offer locally---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------15Premier Inn Hotel Waltham Abbey---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------16

Accommodation------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------16Duke of Wellington Pub------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17

Accommodation------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------17Marriott Hotel--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18

Accommodation------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------18Marriott Hotel--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19

Accommodation------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------19YHA Lee Valley Village (Youth Hostel)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20Bed & Breakfast Accommodation---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20

Accommodation------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------20Cafés & Takeaways-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------21

Places to Eat-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------21Restaurants-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------22

Places to Eat-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------22Pubs---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------23

Places to Eat-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------23

Table of Contents

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The Waltham Holy Cross Team Ministry---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------24Lea Valley Church -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------24

Places of Worship----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------�24Salvation Army------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25Waltham Abbey Baptist Church------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25St Thomas More & St Edward Catholic Church----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25

Places of Worship------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------25Loughton Synagogue---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------26Jumu’ah salaah-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------26Shri Nathji Sanatan Hindu Mandir-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------26St Eleftherios Greek Orthodox Church----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------26

Places of Worship------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------26Epping Forest District Museum (Next to the Library)----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------27

Epping Forest District Museum------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------27 Abbey Church and Abbey Gardens---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------28 Epping Forest-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------29 Secret Island - Royal Gunpowder Mills------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------30 Lee Valley White Water Centre-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------31 Lee Valley White Water Centre-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------32 Lee Valley Regional Park Authority------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------33 Lee Valley Regional Park Authority------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------34 Gilwell Park Conference Centre---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------35 Gilwell Park Conference Centre---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------36 Copped Hall------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------37 Copped Hall--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------38 Local Events-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------39 Local Events-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------40

People without whom this Media Pack would not have been possible to produce------------------------------------------------------------------------------41 Acknowledgements--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------41

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Why be based at Waltham Abbey, thetranquil Market Town set in the Lea Valley?

What's so special about WalthamAbbey?

Waltham Abbey is situated on the cusp ofLondon, Essex and Hertfordshire, with theRiver Lea running through its heart.

At its centre is the fine Norman AbbeyChurch, founded in 1060 by King Harold ll,who is reputedly buried there, and that is stilla vibrant place of worship today.

The town is bounded in the east by theancient Epping Forest that was the huntinggrounds of kings and in the West by the 2012Olympic White Water facility, only a shortwalk away, and the Meridian Line runningthrough the heart of the Town Centre.

History abounds and leisure activities forall are excellent. The town centre has awide variety of places to eat and we areproud of our independent retailers.

Award winning events are held here, suchas King Harold's Day, voted the best eventin East Anglia in 2010.

It is here that The Great British CucumberFestival was born to celebrate the LeaValley's place at the centre of UK saladproduction industry.

Waltham Abbey is unique, with itsbeautiful surrounding countryside,superb leisure opportunities, longand fascinating years of history anda welcoming community.

“With its community spirit, its historic legacy and its beautiful surroundings, Waltham Abbey is an exceptionalplace. The ancient Abbey itself provides the backdrop for many amazing community events. King Harold Dayis renowned throughout Essex and The Great British Cucumber Festival has already developed its ownenthusiastic supporters too. But it is the people who really make Waltham Abbey so special - they are alwaysworking for good causes and helping each other - it has a real community spirit.”

Eleanor Laing, Member of Parliament for Epping Forest

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There are excellent road transport links from J26 of M25motorway, trains to London from Loughton Tube Station (CentralLine) and to London, Stansted, Cambridge and beyond fromWaltham Cross Railway Station.

Waltham Cross (National Rail, Greater Anglia)

Direct link to London (Liverpool Street) and Stansted Airport (viaTottenham Hale station)

Waltham Cross, EN8 7LU

Cycle storage and sheltered cycle storage, 6 cycle racks onPlatform 2. Car Park.

Loughton London Underground (Central Line)

Direct link to London

Old Station Road, Loughton, Essex, IG10 4PD

Ticket Halls, Gates, Toilets, Payphones, Car park and WaitingRoom. Taxi rank in front of station.

Ideally positioned at J26 of theM25 it is linked directly to 10 majormotorways, the major cities of SEEngland and is within 15 miles ofCentral London

Waltham Abbey Gateway to England

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Anyone visiting or staying in Waltham Abbey will have an experience toremember. Its uniqueness, historical connections and sites, and itssurrounding area of natural beauty makes Waltham Abbey an excellentcentre for both adrenalin sport and relaxing activities for leisure, also forartisans who may like to develop and enhance their skills as painters,potters, sculptors, etc. It is hard to imagine a more inspirational base forartistic development and success.

Member of Parliament Eleanor Laing 02072 192 086 eleanor.laing.mp@parliament.ukCurator of the Museum Anthony O’Connor 01992 716 882 aoconnor@eppingforestdc.gov.ukGilwell Park Paul Andrews 02084 337 226 paulandrews@scouts.org.ukThe Royal Gunpowder Mills Lance Bourne 01992 707 330 lance.bourne@royalgunpowdermills.comThe Lee Valley Park Authority Stephen Bromberg 01992 717 711 sbromberg@leevalleypark.org.ukThe Superintendent of Epping Forest Paul Thomson 02085 082 266 paul.thomson@cityoflondon.gov.ukPress Officer Epping Forest District Council Tom Carne 01992 564 000 tcarne@eppingforestdc.gov.ukWaltham Abbey Town Clerk Kathryn Richmond 01992 714 949 kathryn.richmond@walthamabbey-tc.gov.ukRector of Waltham Abbey Church Revd. Peter Smith 01992 767 897 peterhxsmith@aol.comWaltham Abbey Town Partnership Norma Green 02085 087 682 normaleagreen@gmail.com

Local people to interview

Experience Waltham Abbey

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What was happening elsewhere…. What was happening in Waltham Abbey….c.6000 B.C. Mesolithic: camps of hunter-gatherers; flint tools found in Cloisters, Sun Street and

Vicarage gardens also High Beach, Epping Forest

c.4000 B.C. Neolithic: pottery made by first farmers found in Cloisters

1420-1105 B.C. Bronze Age: people living within a ditched enclosure found in Church Street

c.1000 B.C. Iron Age: hill-fort built at Ambresbury Banks, Epping Forest

1st & 4th Century Roman coins and pottery found around present market area

633 Lindisfarne monastery formed 604-616 Church One: a wooden building, possibly built by Sabert in time of Bishop Mellitus

789 First Viking attack in Dorset c.790 Church Two: first stone church, possibly built by King Offa of Mercia

939 Athelstan first King of All England dies 878 Waltham was on the Danish side of the Danelaw boundary established betweenKing Alfred and Guthrum the Dane

1016 Cnut became King of England 1016-1035 King Cnut the Dane reigned; his chief minister Tovi owned an estate at Waltham

c.1020 Tovi built a hunting lodge at Waltham

c.1035 A Holy Cross was found on Tovi’s estate in Montacute, Somerset, and brought toWaltham

c.1053–1060 Church Three: built by Harold after he was cured of paralysis at Waltham. A secularcollege with a dean and 12 canons. Harold’s church was dedicated on 3rd May

1066 Harold became King, was killed in battle at Hastings and buried at Waltham

c.1090-1150 Church Four: 2nd Collegiate Church built, similar architecture to Durham Cathedral.Bishop Walcher of Durham was then Lord of the Manor of Waltham

c.1115 Two annual fairs granted to Waltham by Matilda, wife of Henry I

1144 Town said to have been burnt by Geoffrey de Mandeville

1170 Thomas a Beckett assassinated 1177 Church Five: building extended by Henry II, and established as a Priory

1184 Church raised to Abbey status of the Augustinian order

1189 Abbey granted right of weekly market and Manor of Waltham by Richard I

1215 Magna Carta signed at Runnymede c.1200 Abbey farm (Waltham Grange) and forge were laid out, also Sun Street (formerlyEast Street)

1242 Church Five dedicated as Church of the Holy Cross; Henry III present

Waltham Abbey History through the ages

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What was happening elsewhere…. What was happening in Waltham Abbey….1444 Church belfry struck by lightening

1485 Battle of Bosworth Field 1520s-1530s Henry VIII stayed in Romeland “for his pleasure”; church bells were rung in welcome

1487 Last of the Wars of the Roses - Battle ofStocke

1527 Henry VIII gave money for mending bridges over River Lea at Waltham

1529 Thomas Cranmer, later Archbishop of Canterbury, visited Waltham and met two ofHenry VIII’s courtiers, Edward Foxe and Stephen Gardiner. They discussed he King’smarriage to Catherine of courtiers, Edward Foxe and Stephen Gardiner. Theydiscussed he King’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon; annulled in 1533. Far-reachingreligious reforms followed.

1531 King Henry VIII becomes Head of the Church& establishes Church of England

1531 Money “paid to a wife when Henry VIII shot a tame duck in the Forest ofWaltham”

1540 Dissolution of the Monastery by Henry VIII. Many church buildings demolished, butnot the nave which was the Parish Church of St.Lawrence

1541 Waltham Grange leased to Sir Anthony Denny for 31 years

1542 Anthony Denny acquired Holyfield, Claverhambury, Harold’s Park, Hooks andPinnacles, Sewardstone and Woodredon estates. Henry VIII created Waltham Parkwith Denny as Keeper

1549 Formulation of First Book of Common prayerby Thomas Cranmer

1549 Anthony Denny died, his widow Joan succeeded to his estates

1552 Central tower of the Church collapsed

1553 Joan Denny bought the lease of Anthony’s properties. She died; was succeededby her son Henry

1556 New tower built at west end of the Church to stabilise the building during reign ofMark I

1561 1st documentary reference to gunpowder processing in Waltham

1564 William Shakespeare born 1563 1st English edition of ‘Book of Martyrs’ by John Foxe who lived in Waltham

1574 Henry Denny died. Estate passed to his son Robert. Daughter Anne married GeorgeGoring

1576 Robert Denny died and estate passed to his brother Edward

Waltham Abbey History through the ages

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What was happening elsewhere…. What was happening in Waltham Abbey….

1589 Edward Denny knighted. Married to Mary grand-daughter of William Cecil, LordBurghley of Theobalds

c.1590 Edward Denny built Abbey House and moated gardens in monastic precinct. Nameof West Street changed to Highbridge Street

1605 Guy Fawkes discovered plotting to blow upParliament

1604 Edward Denny created Baron Denny of Waltham

1626 Edward Denny created Earl of Norwich

1637 Edward Denny died. Estates descended to grandson James Hay, 2nd Earl of Carlisle

1641 Charles I visited Waltham

1660 James Hay died. His widow Margaret became Lady of the Manor and marriedEdward Montague, Earl of Manchester. Sewardstone and Woodredon estatessold

1665 Plague kills 20% London population 1662 Gunpowder manufacture began at west end of the town

1666 The Great Fire of London c.1670 Moot Hall in town centre replaced by timbered Market Hall

1671 Edward Montague died. Sir Samuel Jones acquired mortgage of Waltham Estatesin interest of four sisters of Charles Goring, Earl of Norwich

1672 Samuel Jones died

1676 Margaret Montague died; Waltham Manor reverted to the Goring sisters

1681-88 Samuel Jones’ executors bought out the Goring sisters. Samuel Wake (greatnephew of Samuel Jones) was the beneficiary of the estate and took the nameJones

1699 Samuel Wake-Jones appointed Sheriff of Essex

1700 Stabling for the Abbey House built. Harold’s Park sold

1712 Samuel Wake-Jones died; estate passed to nephew Charles Wake who took nameJones

c.1730 Dick Turpin, highwayman, riding in the local forests and hanged for murder in 1739

1740 Charles Wake-Jones died; estate passed to his nephew Charles Wake who alsotook the name Jones

Waltham Abbey History through the ages

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What was happening elsewhere…. What was happening in Waltham Abbey….1754 William Scrimshire acquired Great Gilwell, Little Gilwell and half of Osborne’s estate,

including Osborne Hall in Sewardstonebury. Scrimshire demolished Osborne Halland built a new residence, also called Osborne Hall; now called the White House.

1755 Charles Wake-Jones, 6th Baronet, died without issue. Succeeded by his cousin, SirWilliam Wake, 7th Baronet

1765-1766 Stables in Abbey Gardens converted to a house and re-named Abbey House

1766 River Lea Act to improve navigation, including digging of New River Lee

1770 Captain Cook discovers Botany Bay 1770 Original Abbey House demolished; grounds let for market gardening, later anorchard, later still became watercress beds

1782 James Watt Invents modern steam engine 1786 Used coffin discovered by gardener tenant, probably on site at east end of Church

1787 Government buys Powder Mills from Walton family

1793 Osborne Hall re-named Gilwell Hall and developed into a country estate by WilliamBassett Chinnery, elder brother of painter George Chinnery

1805 Nelson dies victorious at Trafalgar c.1790-1810 George III and George IV were regular visitors to Gilwell Hall. George III’s son, PrinceAdolphus, became a family friend, tutoring the Chinnery’s son

1812 William Chinnery embezzled a fortune from the British Treasury, and Gilwell Estatewas signed over to the Exchequer

1876 Alexander Graham Bell invented thetelephone

1814 Churchyard enlarged by land granted by Sir William Wake, 9th Baronet

1852 Market House demolished

1863 Guncotton manufacture began at Royal Gunpowder Mills

1859-1860 Major restoration of the Church by William Burgess

1878 Epping Forest Act: forest saved from enclosure; ceased to be a royal forest; City ofLondon Corporationacts as Conservators

1891 Royal Gunpowder Mills bought South Site; cordite production started

1894 Waltham Holy Cross Urban District Council formed

1912 Sinking of the Titanic on maiden voyage 1904 Church tower (top section) rebuilt. Waltham Town Hall built

1914-1918 World War I 1914-1919 Town Hall used as a military hospital

Waltham Abbey History through the ages

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What was happening elsewhere…. What was happening in Waltham Abbey….1919 Gilwell Hall Estate acquired for the Boy Scout Association on behalf of Robert, Lord

Baden-Powell by William de Bois Maclaren who donated the £7000 purchase price

1924 Winston Churchill, Constitutional candidate, spoke outside Waltham Town Hall priorto being elected MP for the Epping Division of Essex

1929 Baden-Powell included Gilwell in his title 1st Baron Baden-Powell of Gilwell

1934 Abbey Farmhouse built

1937 Cloister site vested in trustees: Abbey Gardens Trust

1938 Old Abbey farmhouse reduced to farm buildings

1939-1945 World War II 1940-1945 Gilwell Estate was requisitioned by the War Ministry

1943 Explosives production ended; Royal Gunpowder Mills site converted to ResearchEstablishment

1966 Lee Valley Regional Park Act passed. Statue ‘The Ideal Scout’ donated to GilwellPark by Boy Scouts of America

1967 Boy Scout Association renamed Scout Association. Formal constitution of the LeeValley Regional Park Authority

1969 Neil Armstrong first man on the moon 1970 LVRPA took over some of the Abbey land. Abbey farm buildings demolished

1974 Formation of Epping Forest District Council and Waltham Abbey Town Council

1981 Epping Forest District Museum opened in Sun Street

1988 Lee Valley Visitor Centre opened in Abbey Farmhouse

1997 Princess Diana dies in a car crash in Paris 1991 Research Establishment closed and site sold by Ministry of Defence

2000 Royal Gunpowder Mills North Site opened to the public as a heritage attraction

2006 Green Flag awarded to Gunpowder Park, formerly Royal Gunpowder Mills SouthSite

2007 21st World Scout Jamboree at Gilwell Park to celebrate 100 years of Scouting2007 Abbey Church Centre replaced Lee Valley Park Visitor Centre in Abbey Farmhouse

2009 Barack Obama elected the first African-American President of USA

2010 HRH Anne, the Princess Royal, opened the Lee Valley White Water Centre

2012 London 2012 Olympic Games Canoe Slalom held at Lee Valley White Water Centre

Waltham Abbey History through the ages

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The Portrait Studio

Set in Lee Valley Park’s Gunpowder Park, this studio offers easy access,parking as well as a wonderful park environment.

Facilities:

- Large studio with daylight- Two toilets and shower room- Kitchen- Office- Outside green space (by prior agreement for commercial use)

 Contact:Richard Clarke ABIPPThe Portrait StudioThe Gunpowder ParkSewardstone RoadWaltham Abbey EN9 3GPTel: 0845 0044244Email: info@theportraitstudio.orgWeb: www.theportraitstudio.org

Indoor locations for filming and interviewing

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Even when it’s sunny there is a need for indoor facilities.

The following places are all media friendly and would be very happy toaccommodate the media.

Waltham Abbey Town HallHighbridge StreetWaltham Abbey EN9 1DETel: 01992 714949Email: kathryn.richmond@walthamabbey-tc.gov.uk

Parsons Restaurant58 Sun StreetWaltham Abbey EN9 1EJTel: 01992 700655Email: info@parsonsrestaurant.comWeb: www.parsonsrestaurant.com

Abbey ChurchHighbridge StreetWaltham Abbey EN9 1DGLimited access by prior permissionTel: 01992 767 897 (Parish Office)Email: parish.office@walthamabbeychurch.co.ukWeb: www.walthamabbeychurch.co.uk

Gilwell ParkBury RoadChingford E4 7QWTel: 020 8498 5307Email: gilwell.conferences@scout.org.ukWeb: www.towntocountry.co.uk/gilwell/

Indoor locations for filming and interviewing

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Permission must be obtained from the relevant authority when filming in the area:

City of London Corporation, City of London, Guildhall, PO Box 270, London, EC2P 2EJTel: 020 7606 3030 Email: pro@cityoflondon.gov.uk Web: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

The Parish Office, Abbey Church Centre, Abbey Gardens, Waltham Abbey, Essex, EN9 1XQTel: 01992 767897 Email: parish.office@walthamabbeychurch.co.uk Web: www.walthamabbeychurch.co.uk

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Myddelton House, Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 9HGTel: 01992 717711 / 08456 770600 Email: info@leevalleypark.org.uk Web: www.leevalleypark.org.uk

An online enquiry form is available at www.leevalleypark.org.uk/EN/contactus

Waltham Abbey Town Council, The Town Clerk, Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey EN9 1DETel: 01992 714 949 Email: kathryn.richmond@walthamabbey-tc.gov.uk Web: www.walthamabbey-tc.gov.uk

Outdoor locations for filming and interviewing

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Storing equipment safely overnight

A variety of secure storage options can be arranged by contacting:

Duncan PhillipsAbility House121 Brooker RoadWaltham AbbeyEN9 1JH

Tel: 01992 653132Fax: 01992 653097Email: howard.green@duncanphillips.co.ukWeb: www.duncanphillips.co.uk

Need storage quickly? Contact them on 07894 585 846

All car parks have sufficient headroom for vehicles with high aerials.

Cornmill (entrance behind Town Hall) Long stay Saturdays free

Darby Drive (parallel to Sun Street entrance near Parsons)Long staySaturdays free

Quaker Lane (parallel Sun Street entrance behind Co-op)Short stay

Abbey Gardens (entrance on Abbey View roundabout)Free all day every day

Car Parks Some of the facilities on offer locally

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From a four star international hotel to more modest accommodation, there is something to suit all needs and requirements in Waltham Abbey:

Premier Inn Hotel Waltham Abbey

Address: Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3QF

Tel: 0870 9990 6568

Web: www.premierinn.com

Location: Situated on the outskirts of Waltham Abbey in a rurallocation near Gunpowder Park, but a few minutes fromthe M25 and Waltham Abbey Town Centre.

Prices: Please call or see their website.

Details: National hotel chain offering quality accommodation atreasonable prices.

Facilities: King size beds, en suite bathroom, Freeview TV andinternet connection.

Meals are served in the Bakers Arms Chef & Brewer pub,which is adjacent to the accommodation.

Accommodation

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Duke of Wellington Pub

Address: High Beech, IG10 4AH

Tel: 020 8502 1620

Email: info@dukeofwellingtonhighbeech.co.uk

Web: www.dukeofwellingtonhighbeech.co.uk

Details: Newly built accommodation set in the heart of Epping Forest.

Facilities: All rooms have king-sized beds, wall-mounted LCD televisions and en- suite shower rooms.

Lunch and dinner can be booked at the on-site pub restaurant.

The Duke Of Wellington is set in the heart of Epping Forest, in High Beech. Just 5 minutes fromLoughton's Central Line station and from Junction 26 of the M25, making the pub easily accessiblefor everybody.

Once at The Duke Of Wellington you can enjoy awide range of freshly prepared meals, such as ourfresh fish direct from Billingsgate Market, as well asfine ales and wines, which can also be enjoyed inour large beer garden. We also have luxury hotelrooms, making this the perfect venue for a shortbreak. Free Wi-fi is also available in the pub.

Accommodation

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Waltham Abbey Marriott Hotel, Essex, UK, borders the ancient woodlands of Epping Forest, offers a special, peaceful settingthat keeps business travellers productive and leisure travellers relaxed. Ideally located100 yards from junction 26 of the M25, the hotel is near the motorway network aroundLondon and Loughton Underground station, with direct Central Line connection intoLondon, is a 5 minute drive from the hotel.

Marriott Hotels originated, in 1927, from an idea of J Willard Marriott when he and hiswife opened a root beer stand, in Washington DC, to provide cool drinks in swelteringlyhumid summers. From these humble beginnings they expanded their enterprises into achain of restaurants and hotels that has led the company to spectacular worldwidegrowth and the provision of luxury accommodation for the discerning traveller.

This contemporary Marriott Hotel on the borders of the historic market town of Waltham Abbey is only 20 minutesfrom Stansted Airport and only 30 minutes from central London and its world-class commercial centres and famedsights.

Marriott Hotel

Address: Old Shire Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3LX

Tel: 01992 717170

Web: www.walthamabbeymarriott.co.uk

Location: Situated on the outskirts of Waltham Abbey very near the M25 junction 26.

Prices: Please call or see their website.

Details: 4 star hotel recently refurbished their reception area, restaurant, conference rooms, bar andall their bedrooms and suites.

Facilities: King size beds, en-suite, cable and satellite TV and 24 hour room service. Meals are served in contemporary Thyme Restaurant. Bar andlounge facilities available to guests and day visitors. Guests have complimentary use of the Leisure Club with a large indoor pool, fitness centre,steam room and sauna. Wireless internet is available throughout the hotel and wired connection in every bedroom.

Accommodation

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Marriott Hotel

Every Marriott Hotel has its special strengths and, as a guest of the Waltham Abbey Marriott HotelUK, you'll find a welcoming smile at reception and a stylish hotel lounge where you can relax withcoffee or a light lunch, meet business colleagues or chat with family and friends.

You will delight in the guest rooms that blend classic comfort with modern flair. Recreation is onlyas far as our leisure club, with a large indoor pool, children's splash pool, fitness centre and sauna.For dining, the contemporary restaurant offering guests a truly exceptional and unique diningexperience. As a premier business hotel in Essex your event will prosper in one of our 14 meetingrooms.

The hotel, active and supportive in the local community, is just a few minutes’ drive fromWaltham Abbey Town Centre. This offers our guests a brief step back into history with visitsto the Royal Gunpowder Mills, home of gunpowder production and with an interestingre-enactment programme. Visit Epping Forest District Museum and the Abbey Church,founded by King Harold ll and closely associated with Henry Vlll and the Reformation.

For the more adventurous, enjoyadrenalin sport at the Lee ValleyWhite Water Centre (OlympicLondon 2012 canoe slalomvenue), less than 5 minutes away,situated in the 26 mile long, 10,000acre Lee Valley Park that, with theforest, provides opportunities toenjoy rafting, canoeing, walking,cycling and horse riding.

Accommodation

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YHA Lee Valley Village (Youth Hostel)Address: Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Herts, EN8 9AJ

Tel: 0845 371 9057

Email: leevalley@yha.org.uk

Website: www.yha.org.uk

Location: Just over the EN9 border, a few minutes’ walk from Cheshunt Station and next to Hertfordshire YoungMariners Base (HYMB) with private on site car park available.

Prices: Please call or see their website.

Details: Five Scandinavian style lakeside lodges available. Offering bed and breakfast, half or full board packages to suit everyone. Easy accessto Lee Valley Regional Park, Hertfordshire Young Mariners Base Outdoor Adventure Activity Centre and a short distance from the new Lee ValleyWhite Water Centre.

Facilities include: Each lodge has six en suite bedrooms of 2-8 beds, shared kitchen ad TV lounge. Fully licensed restaurant on site, games room,laundry facilities, covered cycle storage and bike wash down area, library with internet access.

"The Woodlands"

Address: 72 Honey Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3BS

Contact: Mr Alan King

Tel: 01992 787413

Email: alan@woodlands72freeserve.co.uk

Jackie’s

Address: 79 Eastbrook Road, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3AJ

Contact: Mrs Jackie Pearce

Tel : 07940 150 537

Email: jackie_d@talktalk.net

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation

Accommodation

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A multitude of eateries, catering for all tastes and pockets for any time of day or evening

Cafés & Takeaways

Apollo Café (open early from 7am)

Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EJ

Tel: 01992 700113

Billiams Sandwich Bar (open early from 7:30am)

9b Market Square, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1DP

Tel: 01992 765586

Café Krunch

Krunch Gym, Ground Floor, Rear of Ability House,121 Brooker Road, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1JH

Tel: 01992 764433

Philpott's Tea Rooms

Church Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1DX

Tel: 01992 767641

The Narrow Boat Cafe

Hazelmere Marina, Highbridge Street, EN9 1BA

Tel: 07934 110377

Sir Maxima

33 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EJ

Tel: 01992 714700

SiStars

28 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EE

Tel: 07707 693546

Starfish Fish & Chip Shop

16 Market Square, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1DS

Tel: 01992 765565

Sun Street Café (open late to 5.30pm)

11 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1ER

Tel: 01992 677791

Tony’s Pie & Mash Shop

7-8 Market Square, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1DP

Tel: 01992 652798

Places to Eat

David Beckham's favourite pie and mashshop! Featured in an episode of "The OnlyWay Is Essex"!

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Restaurants

Abbey Taverna - Greek

6 Foxes Parade, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1PH

Tel: 01992 767602

Buffalo Bobs - American & Mexican

24a Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EE

Tel: 01992 717447

Chilli Pickle - Indian & Bangladeshi

40 Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1BS

Tel: 01992 769499

Jigsaw Bistro - Italian

18 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EE

Tel: 01992 710403

Le Spice - Indian & Bangladeshi

1 Arlingham Mews, off Sun Street,

Waltham Abbey, EN9 1ED

Tel: 01992 768016

Muhinur - Tandoori

1 Greenyard, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1RD

Tel: 01992 766333

Phoenix - Chinese

46 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EJ

Tel: 01992 767882

Shuhag – Tandoori

16 Highbridge Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1DG

Tel: 01992 711436

Parsons Restaurant - Fine Dining

58 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EJ

Tel: 01992 700655

Thyme Restaurant - Fine Dining & Carvery

Marriott Hotel, Old Shire Lane,

Waltham Abbey, EN9 3LX

Tel: 01992 717170

Places to Eat

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Pubs

The Angel, 48 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EJ Tel: 01992 718671

Bakers Arms, Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3QF Tel: 01992 656000

The Crown, Romeland, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1QZ Tel: 01992 701481

The Duke of Wellington, Wellington Hill, High Beech, IG10 4AH Tel: 020 8502 1620

The Good Intent, Copthall Green, Upshire, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3SZ Tel: 01992 712066

The Green Dragon, Market Square, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1DU Tel: 01992 717212

The Green Man, Farm Hill Road, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1NH Tel: 01992 717486

King Harold’s Head, Bumbles Green, Nazeing, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2RY Tel: 01992 893110

The Horseshoes, Horseshoe Hill, Upshire, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3SN Tel: 01992 712745

The King’s Oak, Nursery Road, High Beech, IG10 4AE Tel: 020 8508 5000

The Owl, Lippitts Hill, High Beech, IG10 4AL Tel: 020 8502 0663

The Plough, Sewardstone Road, Sewardstone E4 7RJ Tel: 01992 711097

The Queen's Arms, 13 The Market Square, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1DP Tel: 01992 768902

The Queen's Head, 60 Paternoster Hill, Upshire Road, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3LA Tel: 01992 718611

The Sultan, Sewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1PD Tel: 01992 712809

The Sun Inn, 19 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1ER Tel: 01992 712720

The Sun Inn, Broadley Common, Nazeing, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2DE Tel: 01992 893257

The Volunteer, Honey Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3QT Tel: 01992 713705

The Welsh Harp, Market Square, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1DL Tel: 01992 711113

The Wheatsheaf, 146 Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, EN9 2ES Tel: 01992 711266

The Woodbine Inn, Honey Lane, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3QT Tel: 01992 713050

Places to Eat

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The Waltham Holy Cross Team MinistryThe Abbey Church of the Holy Cross and St Lawrence (Waltham Abbey Church), Highbridge Street,Waltham Abbey, EN9 1DG

St Lawrence Church, Hill House School, Ninefields, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3EL

St Thomas’ Church, Upshire, Waltham Abbey, EN9 3SS

The Church of the Holy Innocents, Church Lane, High Beach, IG10 4BF

Team Rector : Revd. Peter Smith

Contact: Parish Office, Abbey Church Centre, Abbey Gardens, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1XQ

Tel: 01992 767897

Email: parish.office@walthamabbeychurch.co.uk

Web: www.walthamabbeychurch.co.uk

Lea Valley ChurchSenior Pastor: Geoff Ace

Contact: Monkswood Avenue, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1LB

Tel: 01992 712127

Email: admin@leavalleychurch.org.uk

Web: www.leavalleychurch.org.uk

Places of Worship

25

Salvation ArmyContact: Waltham Abbey Corps, Sewardstone Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1HZ

Envoys: Leslie and Claire Groombridge

Tel: 01992 769766

Waltham Abbey Baptist ChurchContact: Paradise Road, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1RL

Minister: Matthew Squire

Tel: 07521 264717 (Answer phone)

Email: pastor@wab.org.uk

Web: www.wab.org.uk

St Thomas More & St Edward Catholic ChurchContact: St Paul’s Way, Rochford Avenue, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1SD

Priest-in-charge: Rev Anthony Onuoha

Tel: 01992 711051

Places of Worship

26

Nearest Synagogue:

Loughton SynagogueAddress: Borders Lane, Loughton, IG10 1TE

Tel: 020 8508 0303

Nearest Mosque:

Jumu’ah salaahAddress: The Murray Hall, Loughton Community Centre,106 Borders Lane, Loughton, IG10 3SB

Contact: Loughton Muslim Association 07923 286457

Nearest Hindu Temple:

Shri Nathji Sanatan Hindu MandirAddress: 159-161 Whipps Cross Road, Leytonstone, London, E11 1NP

Tel: 020 8989 7539

Web: www.svnuk.org

Nearest Greek Orthodox church:

St Eleftherios Greek Orthodox ChurchAddress: 113 Ruckholt Road, Leyton, London, E10 5NT

Tel: 020 8539 1425

Places of Worship

27

Epping Forest District Museum (Next to the Library)39 – 41 Sun StreetWaltham AbbeyEssex EN9 1EL

Tel: 01992 716 882Fax: 01992 700 427Email: museum@eppingforestdc.gov.ukWeb: www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/museum

For more information on local history you might like to contactThe Waltham Abbey Historical SocietyWeb: www.walthamabbeyhistoricalsociety.org.uk

For local historical photos of Waltham Abbey please contact:

Web: www.walthamabbeyarchive.com

Waltham Abbey houses the Epping Forest District Museum, which contains interesting and exciting local historic artefacts and documents andhosts regular temporary and touring exhibitions.

Epping Forest District Museum

28

There is a massive variety of unusual and interesting locationsavailable in and around Waltham Abbey.

Within the churchyard at the East end of the Abbey Church is amemorial stone marking the probable resting place of King Harold II.

The parkland around Waltham Abbey and the public gardens of theAbbey Church within are managed by the Lee Valley Regional ParkAuthority.

Waltham Abbey Church www.walthamabbeychurch.co.uk

Lee Valley Park www.leevalleypark.org.uk

Abbey Church and Abbey Gardens

29

Epping Forest is an area of ancient woodland covering nearly 6,000 acres and stretches for 12 miles fromEast London to just north of Epping in Essex and measures only 2½ miles at its widest point. It lieson a ridge between the valleys of the Rivers Lea and Roding and its thin gravelly soil, the resultof glaciations, made it unsuitable for agriculture. It has been continuously forested sinceNeolithic times and embankments of two Iron Age earthworks, Loughton Camp andAmbresbury Banks can be found in the woodland. As a result of partial forest clearance inSaxon times, the original lime dominated woodland changed to today's beech-birch and

oak-hornbeam-dominated forest. In addition to being scenic open space and an important wildlife habitat,it is a very popular area for walking, horse riding, cycling and picnicking. It is also of national and internationalconservation importance with two thirds of it being designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and aSpecial Area of Conservation.

It is thought that Richard (Dick) Turpin, the well known highwayman, became involved with the Essex gangof deer thieves in the early 1730s and that, despite the Black Act in 1723, that outlawed the blackening ordisguising of faces while in the forests, he and the gang regularly indulged in deer poaching in the forest.

Given legal status as a royal forest by Henry 111 in the 12th Century, commoners were allowed to use theforest to gather wood and foodstuffs, and to graze livestock and turn out pigs formast, but only the king was allowed to hunt and it is believed that, in Tudor times,Henry Vlll and Queen Elizabeth l hunted here. However, in second half of the 19thcentury, because large areas of the forest were being enclosed for development,Commoners and the City of London joined forces in a legal battle against theenclosures, culminating in Acts of Parliament, passed in 1878, entrusting the ownership

and care of Epping Forest to the City. Four years later, on 6 May 1882, Queen Victoria visited High Beach,Waltham Abbey, a well-established beauty spot in Epping Forest, and declared "It gives me the greatestsatisfaction to dedicate this beautiful forest to the use and enjoyment of my people for all time" and itbecame public land. High Beach was also the venue for was the first British venue for motorcycle speedwayon 19th February 1928. The remains of the track are still visible, in the grounds of the Epping Forest FieldCentre behind the King's Oak and, from after the Second World War until a few years ago, enthusiasts andveterans gathered at the site every year on the nearest Sunday to 19 February.

Epping Forest

30

Royal Gunpowder Mills, Beaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1JYTel: 01992 707370 Email: info@royalgunpowdermills.com Web: www.royalgunpowdermills.com

The Secret Island - Royal Gunpowder Mills in Waltham Abbeyis an important heritage site with a remarkable true story. Thecharity, which runs the attraction is committed to conservingand sharing the fascinating 300 year history with futuregenerations.

Set in 170 acres of natural parkland, there are more than 20buildings of major historic value. The site was known as ‘The

Island’ due to the network of canals, which were developed to transport gunpowder to and from thesite. Step through the gates to discover this ‘Secret Island’ full of fascinating history and exciting sciencefor a surprising family day out.

On your visit, be sure to drop in to the Mad Lab. Home to the eccentric Professor Nitrate and his loyalteam of Lab Rats, the Mad Lab is filled with curious contraptions, extraordinary experiments andmysterious machines! The professor is always on the look out for willing volunteers to test his latesttheories so be prepared for fun-filled, and occasionally smoke-filled, adventures in the Mad Lab!

Our brand new Test Range will test your skill for things you can launch, catapult, shoot and fire. Air andwater rockets, kid’s archery, rocket cars and air soft rifles let you discover what flies furthest, soarshighest, travels fastest and most reliably finds its target.

Visit our main exhibition and discover all about the history of gunpowder with our extraordinary filmand interactives. Learn all about the top secret side of the site in the Rocket Vault and take a triparound the site in our military truck or guided land train.

Check out our website for details of special historical and scientific events held at weekends andschool holidays, including popular re-enactment events - Medieval Weekend with knights joustingand Guy Fawkes Weekend with stunning firework display.

Secret Island - Royal Gunpowder Mills

31

In 1999, more than a decade before London would host the Olympic Games, Lee Valley Regionaland the British Canoe Union first identified the potential for a new, white water canoe venue for thesouth of the country - to capitalise on the interest in the sport in London and the south east. This plan,was given an extra drive and a firm deadline when in 2005 London was awarded the 48th ModernOlympic Games.

In July 2009, work starts on site in the agreed location at the south of River Lee Country Park, located on the border between Waltham Cross inHertfordshire and Waltham Abbey in Essex.

On budget at £31 million, the centre became the first new London 2012 venue to be completed, this milestone, the first of many, was marked byHRH The Princess Royal and London 2012 Chairman, Sebastian Coe on 9 December 2010.

In March 2011, the International Canoe Federation awards the 2015 Canoe Slalom World Championships to the Lee Valley Centre, the first 2012venue to demonstrate it’s post games legacy, and the following week, another milestone was marked as the doors were opened and the centrebecame the only new 2012 venue to be opened to the public before the Games.

Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, EN9 1ABTel: 08456 770 606 Email: gowhitewater@leevalleypark.org.uk Web: www.gowhitewater.co.uk/

Lee Valley White Water Centre

32

This world class centre boasts a 300m Olympic Standard Course with a 5.5m drop, delivering grade 4rapids. In addition, a smaller 160m course, with a 1.6m drop, the Legacy Loop, can be runindependently and offers a good training ground for those wishing to develop their skills or youngerchildren wishing to raft. The two courses are set in a beautifully landscaped parkland setting thatincludes path and bridge networks to enable spectators a great view of all the action and the ‘pavillion’building provides reception, changing and spectator facilities.

The 2012 Olympic Games

The five days of canoe slalom competition, saw 12,000 people a day watch in awe as canoeistsbattled the course. Housed in banks of temporary seats, the atmosphere at the centre waselectrifying, especially on day five, as yet another milestone was reached when Tim Baille andEtienne Stott raced to victory in the C2 event, securing GB canoeing its first ever gold medal in thesport. David Florence and Richard Hounslow also took the silver making it a triumphant success toTeam GB.

In Legacy

The doors open to the public for commercial rafting and canoeing from Saturday 8 September2012 - the first venue again to become available to the public. Owned and managed by LeeValley Regional Park Authority, the centre will provide a community focused commerciallydrive venue for all.

Public rafting and canoeing, corporate days out, club use, competitions and grass roots sportsdevelopment are all part of the Legacy plans for the centre, all happening alongside andcomplementing the elite athletes that will continue to use the venue as their training groundfor future gold medals.

Lee Valley White Water Centre

33

Sir Patrick Abercrombie’s Greater London Plan, in 1944, recommended that, following years of neglect, the LeeValley could be transformed into a ‘great playground for Londoners’.

In 1961, Alderman Lou Sherman, Mayor of Hackney, took up the challenge to regenerate the Valley, inspiredand persuaded seventeen other local authorities to support him and, in 1963, the Civic Trust was invited toundertake an appraisal of the Valley’s potential as a vast leisure and recreational resource.

The report was extremely positive and a Bill was promoted in Parliament to establish the Lee Valley Regional ParkAuthority as the development body with the responsibility and the powers to deliver the vision.

Following Royal Assent to the Lee Valley Regional Park Bill in December 1966, the Lee Valley Regional ParkAuthority, a statutory body responsible for managing the park was constituted, formally, on 1 January 1967, withits purpose, clearly defined by the Park Act as: ‘’…. a place for the occupation of leisure, recreation, sport, gamesor amusements or any similar activity, for the provision of nature reserves and for the provision and enjoymentof entertainments of any kind.’’

This vision, together with the protection provided by the City of London’s Epping Forest has safeguarded WalthamAbbey from urban sprawl.

Much has been achieved since the park was created and it now includes 10,000 acres and it winds its way 26miles along the banks of the River Lee from, Ware in Hertfordshire, down through Essex, North London and pastOlympic Park to East India Dock Basin on the River Thames.

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Myddelton House, Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middlesex, EN2 9HG

Tel: 08456 770600

Email: info@leevalleypark.org.uk

Web: www.leevalleypark.org.uk www.visitleevalley.org.uk

34

Acting as a “green lung” for London, Essex and Hertfordshire, the park’s 10,000 acres of open spaces,natures reserves and heritage sites is complemented by a chain of world class sports venues includingthe new Olympic Lee Valley White Water Centre and Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Riding Centre andIce Centre. The Velodrome, VeloPark and Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis will also be added to theparks portfolio at the end of 2013.

The park is integral to the town and surrounding areas of Waltham Abbey.

Waltham Abbey Gardens, a scheduled ancient monument where the remains of the Abbey still standproud, provides a well used but intimate space in the centre of town, with the Meridian Line remindingall of its significant location. The neighbouring site of Cornmill Meadows, a Site of Special ScientificInterest is home to half of Britain’s native species of dragonfly between the months of May andSeptember.

The 1,000 acre River Lee Country Park, located on the west of the town, boasts not only the new andworld class Lee Valley White Water Centre, but miles of pathways for safe walking and cycling, birdwatching, wildlife galore with the rivers and lakes providing a stunning backdrop throughout.

Lee Valley Park Farms, a family friendly visitor attraction to the east provides the ideal opportunity fora day out whilst one of the park’s campsites on Sewardstone Road provides the option for visitors fromfurther afield to stay for a few days and to also explore the nearby Gunpowder Park. Formerly a RoyalOrdnance munitions testing facility, this 222 acre country park, was opened to the public in 2004.

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

35

Gilwell Park is a historic and unique site set in 108 acres on the edge of Epping Forest ingreater London, on the border of Waltham Abbey. Gilwell Park was purchased forScouting in 1919 for £7000 as a place where Scouts from East London could experiencethe great outdoors and the site has been greatly expanded and adapted since. As ‘thehome of Scouting’ and an important location for Scouts from around the world, Gilwellwelcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year – however, although Gilwell’s history isextremely important, the site has far more to offer its guests, both from the world ofScouting and beyond, than you may realise.

Gilwell is now able to offer nearly 40 activities on-site, both indoor and outdoor, suitable foradults and young people. From archery to abseiling, raft building to zip wire, whether youwant a high adrenaline adventure up in the air or a traditional outdoor challenge on theground, Gilwell is ideal.

Situated on the borders of Waltham Abbey and Chingford. Less than 20 minutes fromcentral London (overland rail from London Liverpool Street) or 5 minutes' drive fromjunction 26 of the M25.

Although a large proportion of Gilwell’s 108 acres are used for camping, Gilwell alsofeatures a range of indoor accommodation. As well as self-contained lodges for largergroups, guests are able to stay at Gilwell Park within the White House’s 35 en suitebedrooms. In recent years these have been updated to offer a high standard ofaccommodation whilst retaining the elegant and unique character of the building itself,allowing guests to enjoy the tranquillity of the setting whilst being only a short distancefrom Central London.

Gilwell Park Conference Centre

Gillwell Park Conference Centre, Bury Road, Chingford, London, E4 7QWTel: 020 8498 5300

Email: gilwell.conferences@scout.org.uk

Web: www.towntocountry.co.uk/gilwell/

36

Another facet of Gilwell Park in recent times is as a conference centre and we welcomecompanies, from small local businesses to large multinational corporations, to the site. We havesmaller meeting and seminar rooms as well as a large main hall with space for up to 250 peoplefor larger events.

Gilwell offers organisations the opportunity to undertake both team building and training on site.A large number our activities are beneficial in promoting team work, communication andleadership skills. Companies can choose from a wide range of workshops over a day or longersuch as coaching and mentoring skills, team effectiveness and management development whichcombine both classroom-based learning with outdoor adventure. Of course, for businesses thatwould just like to get into the great outdoors and have some fun, Gilwell Park offers this too!

Gilwell Park is also a popular choice for wedding receptions and private events. The main hall canbe transformed with a marquee-style liner to convert the space into a classic banqueting hall thatis both elegant and weather proof. The Buffalo Lawn, with its historic balustrade from LondonBridge, is a popular location to relax with a reception drink before the main dinner. With a teamof experienced in-house chefs, a large main hall that seats up to 180 people and of course ourbeautiful grounds in which to take photos, you can understand why Gilwell is such a popularchoice.

The Scout Association1st Gilwell Park Membership Manager

Gilwell ParkChingford

London E4 7QWUK

Information Centre: 0845 300 1818(local call rate in the UK)

Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8433 7100Direct: +44 (0) 20 8433 7226

Facsimile: +44 (0) 20 8433 7103

Gilwell Park Conference Centre

37

Copped Hall, Crown Hill, Epping, CM16 5HS

Administrator: Alan Cox, The Copped Hall Trust, 112 Torriano Avenue, London. NW5 2SD

Tel: 01992 571657 or 07799 473108 Email: coxalan1@aol.com Web: www.coppedhalltrust.org.uk

Copped Hall is a fine Georgian mansion that is currently under restoration. It is superbly sited on a ridgeoverlooking its landscaped parkland. The mansion is visible from the M25, which passes through acorner of the park. The mansion and gardens are situated on a site of ancient human habitation.Important buildings were demolished when the present mansion was built.

From 1986-1995 a campaign was successfully fought by a committee comprised of representatives oflocal conservation societies against repeated large scale aggressive development proposals for the mansion and parkland. Three of these individualsset up the Copped Hall Trust – which finally saved the mansion and gardens by purchasing them in 1995.

The Corporation of London had already saved the surrounding parkland by purchasing it in 1992. The main aim of the Trust is, permanently, toprotect the site and carefully to restore Copped Hall and its gardens for educational and community benefit. Copped Hall and its gardens arestrictly private.

Recorded history at Copped Hall starts in the 12th century when it belonged to the Fitzaucher family who served the King as huntsmen and, in 1303,the Copped Hall Estate consisted of 180 acres – comprising parkland, arable land and meadow land.

In 1337 Copped Hall came into the hands of Sir John Shardlow who conveyed it to the Abbots ofWaltham in 1350 in exchange for other land and, in 1374 they were granted leave by Edward III toextend the park by a further 120 acres. Much later, in 1537, the Abbot gave Copped Hall to HenryVIII in the vain hope of saving Waltham Abbey. Henry VIII’s son, Edward VI allowed the future QueenMary to live at Copped Hall and, following her coronation in1533, the mansion was leased to SirThomas Cornwallis in 1558. It was transferred to the Duchy of Lancaster, in 1564 and then grantedto Sir Thomas Heneage, one of Queen Elizabeth closest friends. Sir Thomas Heneage, Vice-Chamberlain of the Royal Household who rebuilt the mansion, was visited by Queen Elizabeth in1568. Following his wife’s death, in 1594, he married the Countess of Southampton and, almostcertainly, Shakespeare's “A Midsummer's Nights Dream” was written for their wedding celebrationsand was first performed at Copped Hall in the long gallery after the wedding ceremony in London.

Copped Hall

38

In 1739 Edward Conyers purchased the Elizabethan Copped Hall, his son, John, completed the new Palladian mansion in 1758 and, in 1775, his son, John,installed the southern gate-houses and entrance screen and a magnificent 4 acre walled garden to grow fruit, flowers and vegetables.

George Wythes (1811-1883), an extremely wealthy man who had made his fortune in the construction of railways and as a developer, bought the estatefor his only son George (1839-1875) who lived there until his early death and, during this time the mansion was given a new wing to the north toaccommodate the rapidly expanding sophistication of the service requirements of a large house. From 1894 to 1900 there was extensive improvementto the house and gardens and at that time, Copped Hall was supported by at least 31 gardeners and 27 house servants.

The First World War changed life at Copped Hall. Many servants went off to the war – and did not come back. The land girls helped in the gardens andwounded soldiers were looked after by the family – especially by Ernest Wythes' three daughters. The family used to watch the zeppelins over Londonfrom the roof of Copped Hall. During the war, in 1917, the main eighteenth century block of Copped Hall was largely burnt-out in a disastrous fire oneSunday morning. Much of the contents were saved but many items were also lost. The family moved, temporarily, to Wood House on the estate whichhad been built by Ernest Wythes towards the end of the 19th century but, sadly Mr Wythes never rebuilt Copped Hall. He died in 1949 and, in 1952, theestate was sold. At that time anything of value that could be stripped from the house and gardens was sold. The wing was stripped of its timberwork,the staircases were removed from the mansion and wing, railings and gates were sold, garden balustrading, statues, steps, etc, were mostly removedand even many of the ancient specimen trees were cut down for their timber. The conservatory was eventually dynamited. Although this destructionwas very serious, the essential identity of Copped Hall remained. The mansion shell was in surprisingly good condition - although it needed stabilising –and the structure of the gardens was still present.

Later the M25 was driven through a corner of the landscaped park, but it was at a sufficient distancefrom the house to be largely ignored. Copped Hall and its park was still a very attractive and historicplace.

However, once the M25 was built, Copped Hall became a developer's dream. Large scale schemeswere proposed again and again. After many battles against such proposals, the parkland was savedby the Corporation of London who purchased it in 1992. The specially formed Copped Hall Trust, thatsaved the mansion and gardens by purchasing these in 1995, still works to restore this important localtreasure.

Copped Hall is open to the public only on specific days, but they have varied programme of eventsthroughout the year including monthly tours, concerts and their popular annual Apple Day in October.

Copped Hall

39

Market Days Weekly Tuesdays & Saturdays Town Centre Kathryn Richmond 01992 714 969Pancake Day Races Annual Shrove Tuesday Town Centre Norma Green 020 8508 7682Launch of Lea Valley Salad Season Annual March Town Centre Norma Green 020 8508 7682The Great British Cucumber Festival Biennial TBC 2014 Abbey Gardens Norma Green 020 8508 7682Town Show Annual Last weekend in June Town Mead Park Kathryn Richmond 01992 714 969Holy Cross Day Annual 14th September Abbey Church Tricia Gurnett 01375 374 768King Harold Day Annual Mid October Abbey Gardens Tricia Gurnett 01375 374 768Apple Day Annual Mid October Copped Hall Alan Cox 01992 571657Cavalcade of Light Annual Last Friday November Town Centre Kathryn Richmond 01992 714 969

Waltham Abbey is a Festival Town and we hold a variety of different events throughout the year some with monthly themes including music,history, art & literature and food. There are also many regular events as follows:

Pancake Day Races Launch of the Lea Valley Salad Season King Harold Day Holy Cross Day

Local Events

40

Waltham Abbey has hosted many one off special events in the town including:

Olympic Torch Day Monte Carlo Historic RallyOlympic Torch Day Lady Godiva

Great British Cucumber Festival

Local Events

Holy Cross Day King Harold Day Cavalcade of Light

41

People without whom this Media Pack would not have been possible to produce

The publishers, members of Waltham Abbey Town Partnership, record thanks to all of the organisations that provided copy for this Media Pack,to Cathy MacBride (former Epping Forest District Council Town Centre Manager) who suggested the publication and to Jackie Deane, ChrisHamer, Kate Towerzey, Michele Moore, Paul Violet and Richard Walters who assisted in its production. Photographs were provided by MaggieRadcliffe, John Price, Clive Simpson, Kate Towerzey.

Waltham Abbey Town Partnership’s thanks, too, go to Mark Boyce of Dark Origins Ltd for the original design of the pack. Without his considerableIT skills, his patience, the investment of much of his time and, most of all, his sense of humour in difficult situations, this pack would not havebeen produced. Thanks also to Kate Towerzey of AboutMyArea website for inclusion of resource information from her AboutMyArea EN9website and for the final revised version of the pack.

No part of this publication may be amended or reproduced without the prior permission of the publishers.

Contact: Waltham Abbey Town Partnership

All rights reserved. First published January 2013

Waltham Abbey Town Partnership

Waltham Abbey Town Partnership (WATP) is one of six voluntary organisations, set up by EppingForest District Council (EFDC), in recognition that these town centres were all very different fromeach other and needed an individual approach to the promotion of a thriving economy.

A mixture of heavy industry and agriculture supported the Waltham Abbey economy for centuriesbut, in recent years these have declined and Waltham Abbey now relies very much on its Touristtrade. Despite the town’s long and important history, very many excellent venues and numeroussuccessful events, media coverage rarely extends beyond the local press.

We have much to offer visitors and this pack is intended to encourage reporters, from further afield,to come and report on them to the world outside.

Acknowledgements

42

Contents of this Media Pack may be reused for the promotionof Waltham Abbey providing source and any relevantcopyrights are credited.

Waltham Abbey Town Partnership

info@watp.org.uk

www.watp.org.uk