About
Æthelstan first Anglo-Saxon King at Epping Forest District Museum
39 – 41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EL
Wednesday 14th October 2026 7pm - 9pm. Doors open at 6:45pm
Tickets £7.55 (inc booking fee) Available here: Talk: Æthelstan first Anglo-Saxon King at Epping Forest District Museum CIO event tickets from TicketSource or visit the museum or call 01992 71688 to book.
A talk with David Woodman, Prof of Medieval History at the University of Cambridge on Æthelstan first Anglo-Saxon King.
Explore the history behind Æthelstan and his rule over Anglo-Saxon Britain. In 927, the West Saxon Æthelstan, the grandson of Alfred the Great (d.899), conquered Northumbria and thus created ‘England’ for the first time. At a July ceremony of that year, held at Eamont Bridge near Penrith, Æthelstan received formal recognition of his premier status from other British kings. So powerful did Æthelstan become that he later laid claim to being the rex totius Britanniae (‘king of all Britain’), while he was also able to exert his authority in Europe, too. Æthelstan’s achievements in forming ‘England’ for the first time mean that the year 927 should be as well known as 1066. In this talk, David Woodman provides an overview of the life of England’s founder king, and the momentous events of 927. There is also the opportunity to purchase David Woodman's recent book exploring this topic in more depth.
The talk runs 7–8pm, with doors opening at 6.45pm. £7.00 per person, with light refreshments available.
Find out more on the Museum's facebook page
About the Museum
Located in a Grade II* listed combination of Tudor, Georgian, and 1960s buildings on Sun Street in Waltham Abbey, Epping Forest District Museum preserves and celebrates the history of the Epping Forest District of south west Essex. Visit us to explore our fascinating collection including paintings, jewellery, costumes, a woolly mammoth tusk, Waltham Abbey Bible, photographs of Winston Churchill in the district and more. See our changing exhibitions, galleries, gift shop and enjoy a variety of activities suitable for all ages.
The entire building is fully accessible and serves as a welcoming community space for everyone.
Opening hours: Monday: closed
Tuesday: 10am to 4pm
Wednesday: 10am to 4pm
Thursday: closed
Friday: 10am to 4pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm
Sunday: closed
Guide Prices
Free event
Book Tickets Online
Facilities
Accessibility
- Accessible Lift
- All Areas Accessible to Disabled Visitors - Step-free entry access is available throughout the museum. Toilets are located on the ground floor and second floor. A unisex accessible toilet suitable for wheelchair users is available. Baby changing facilities are also available.
- Disabled persons toilet
- Guide Dogs Permitted - The museum welcomes assistance dogs and water can be provided if required.
- Lift
- Ramp/Level Access
- Wheelchair user accessible
Attraction Facilities
- Groups Accepted - By arrangement.
Children & Infants
- Babes in Arms
- Baby changing
- Family Friendly, Children Welcome
Establishment Features
- All weather attraction
- Event Venue - There is a gallery space and educational space available for hire.
- Garden / Grounds for visitors use - The museum has a delightful garden which is a beautiful open space featuring a beautiful mosaic commemorating the museum’s redevelopment. Activities are often held here during the summer months.
- Gift shop - The museum’s reception and shop are located on the ground floor where a great selection of local history books, gifts and souvenirs are on offer for all ages and pockets.
- Groups by arrangement
- Groups welcome
- Toilets - Toilets are located on the ground floor and second floor. A unisex accessible toilet suitable for wheelchair users is available. Baby changing facilities are also available.
Parking & Transport
- Bus stop within walking distance - A bus stop is located within a 2 minute walk of the museum.
- Free parking - Free parking is currently available at the Abbey Gardens carpark which is a 10 minute walk from the museum.
- Parking (charge) - Payand display parking is available in the town centre, the nearest car park is Quaker Lane car park which is a 2 minute walk from the museum.
- Parking (free) - Free parking is currently available at the Abbey Gardens carpark which is a 10 minute walk from the museum.
Provider Preferences
- In town/city centre
- Indoor Attraction
Specialist Features
- Family Fun
- Marketed Towards Children
- Marketed Towards Families
- Marketed Towards Senior Citizens
- Marketed towards student/youth
Tours and Demonstrations
- Educational Visits Accepted
Map & Directions
Road Directions
The Museum is located in the heart of the historic town of Waltham Abbey, situated just outside the M25 between Epping Forest and the Lee Valley. From the M25, leave at junction 26 and follow the signs to Waltham Abbey.
Free parking is currently available at the Abbey Gardens carpark which is a 10 minute walk from the museum. Further pay and display parking is available in the town centre, the nearest car park is Quaker Lane car park which is a 2 minute walk from the museum.
Public Transport Directions
The museum is a 25 minute walk from Waltham Cross Railway Station. A taxi rank is located outside the station. Buses also operate from Waltham Cross Bus Station which is a 5 minute walk from the station and a bus stop is located within a 2 minute walk of the museum.
