About
King Harold's Mother at Epping Forest District Museum
39 – 41 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, EN9 1EL
Friday 23rd October 2026 7pm - 9pm. Doors open at 6:45pm
Tickets £15
An evening of theatre, about Gytha Thorkelsdóttir, a small talk will take place prior to the play.
King Harold’s Mother is a powerful one-woman historical drama by Heather Leech of Gleowit Productions. Set in the turbulent years following the Battle of Hastings, the play tells the story of Gytha Thorkelsdottir, mother of King Harold II, who lost four sons during the events of 1066. As William the Conqueror tightens his grip on England, Gytha reflects on loss, loyalty and the devastating human cost of conquest. This moving and thought-provoking production brings a forgotten female voice from history to life, offering a unique perspective on one of England’s most significant turning points
Tickets cost £15 - available here: Play: King Harold's Mother at Epping Forest District Museum event tickets from TicketSource or visit the museum or call 01992 71688
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.
