MEDIA RELEASE
Issued: October 11, 2015
 

PICTURES FOR MEDIA USE: Pictures for media use can be downloaded HERE

PICTURES: A slideshow of pictures from King Harold Day in Waltham Abbey can be viewed HERE
 

Epping Forest MP Eleanor Laing joined the celebrations to remember King Harold in Waltham Abbey on Saturday.

Flowers were placed at the King Harold Memorial Stone in the Abbey Church churchyard as part of the traditional King Harold Day event.

The flower-laying ceremony was held after costumed participants and civic dignitaries took part in a procession from the Epping Forest District Museum in Sun Street, through Market Square and down Church Street to the Abbey Church.

The day commemorates Harold Godwinsson, King Harold II, who was Lord of the Manor of Waltham when he was Earl of Essex and East Anglia, owned much land and property in the area, and whose family home with his handfast wife, Edith Swan-Neck, was at Nazeing.

Harold founded the Minster Church which eventually became the Great Abbey, and legend has it that his body was brought back to the Abbey after his death at the Battle of Senlac Hill (Hastings) in 1066.

The Abbey Gardens hosted stalls, sideshows and other attractions throughout the day.

Mrs Laing said: “It was great to see so many people celebrating King Harold Day and important to remember the connection between our historic town and the Battle of Hastings.

“I congratulate Tricia Gurnett and everyone who works so hard to make this annual event such a success.

“We are all looking forward to next year's very special 950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings - and the death of King Harold.”

PICTURES FOR MEDIA USE: Pictures for media use can be downloaded HERE

PICTURES: A slideshow of pictures from King Harold Day in Waltham Abbey can be viewed HERE