Waltham Abbey Church
The Abbey Church of Waltham Holy Cross and St Lawrence has been a place of worship since the 7th century. The present building dates mainly from the early 12th century and is a fine example of Norman architecture. The church gives its name to the town of Waltham Abbey, Essex in England. Harold Godwinson is said to be buried in the present churchyard. In the late middle ages, Waltham was one of the largest church buildings in England and a major site of pilgrimage; in 1540 was the last religious community to be closed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It is still an active parish church for the town.
Read more about Waltham Abbey Church: History, Description, Later Architectural History, Links With Harold Godwinson, Organ
Famous quotes containing the words abbey and/or church:
“The Abbey always reminds me of that old toast, “Above lofty timbers, the walls around are bare, echoing to our laughter, as though the dead were there.””
—Garrett Fort (1900–1945)
“That poor little thing was a good woman, Judge. But she just sort of let life get the upper hand. She was born here and she wanted to be buried here. I promised her on her deathbed she’d have a funeral in a church with flowers. And the sun streamin’ through a pretty window on her coffin. And a hearse with plumes and some hacks. And a preacher to read the Bible. And folks there in church to pray for her soul.”
—Laurence Stallings (1804–1968)