More information : TL 3817 0056. Waltham Abbey. (1)
The town was controlled and largely owned by the Abbey [TL 30 SE 8], to whom an existing market was confirmed in 1189 and fairs had been granted 1108-1118, and its extent restricted by the monastic precinct to the N and by marshes to the W. Half the tenants had been described as 'burgesses of the King's fee', c. 1235, but an apparent move towards gaining borough status seems to have been blocked as the Abbey extended its control of the parish in the late 12th/13th centuries.
The town centre has been extensively rebuilt, and there has been some expansion, especially to the E and S, but the Medieval street plan has survived. (2-4) |