About
Discover Historic Waltham Abbey
Next guided tour on 16th August 2025. 11am start
(Other Saturday guided tours in 2025 are: 20th September and 18th October).
Taking place every third Saturday of the month between April and October, starting from the Tourist Information Centre, in the Town Hall (side entrance) in Highbridge Street at 11.00am, and lasting for around an hour and a half.
£5 per person including a visitor pack and refreshments on arrival. Children 8 to 16 years £2, under 8 free.
Reserving your place by pre-booking is helpful - or pay on the day - contact the Tourism Information Centre on 01992 660336 or email tic@walthamabbey-tc.gov.uk
The friendly guides are selected for their knowledge on the fascinating history of their local area. The guide for this tour is Chris Sumner. Towards the end of his working life as a Professional Engineer Chris became interested in history, which developed into his being elected Chairman of Waltham Abbey Historical Society. He stepped down from this appointment recently, but remains a committee member and newsletter editor. He specialises in social history and the rich history of Waltham Abbey.
Waltham Abbey - the last resting place of King Harold after his defeat at the Battle of Hastings. History abounds as Waltham Abbey has long played its part on the local, regional, and even international stage. Discover the story of Tovi the Proud who brought the holy cross from Glastonbury to the church at Waltham, later richly endowed by King Harold and later still made into an Augustinian Abbey by Henry II before being dismantled by Henry VIII. Hear about life in the abbey, the music of Thomas Tallis, Tudor intrigue, gunpowder manufacture and a whole lot more.
