Waltham Abbey is a market town of a primarily residential nature that sits just above the M25 to the North of greater London. Surrounded by an ocean of greenery and close to the Lee Valley Regional Park, this is as close as you can get to relatively untouched nature, whilst still being a 30-minute train journey into Central London. Known for its mystical and rich history related to the legend of poor King Harold Godwinson, Waltham Abbey still maintains its enchanting character, which is etched into much of its remaining antique architecture. That being said, the majority of homes on the eastern outskirts of the centre are postwar and sturdy, comprising of semi-detached and detached red brick houses. The historically- inclined tourists who flock to the town, and provide a key source of local income, can often be found in the local four-star Waltham Abbey Marriot Hotel. But if it’s locals you’re looking for, you’ll have better luck looking in a cosy nook of the Queen’s Head – a great little gem of a pub on Paternoster Hill.

The town’s name echoes the centrality of the iconic and ancient religious monument of the Abbey to its history.; however, even before its construction, it seems as though Waltham Abbey was a hotspot of legend. For example, it is said that Boudica, the ginger Celtic queen who fought in vain against the Roman invasion, killed herself with poisonous hemlock gathered from the nearby banks of Cobbins Brook. Anyway – back to the abbey. Built by King Harold in the 9th century in gratitude for his recovery from paralysis, it is said that after he was slain in the Battle of Hastings, his body was brought to the Abbey for consequent burial. Apart from the Abbey, Waltham Abbey is known for one more thing – gunpowder. In the 17th century, a factory making the stuff was opened in town and by the Second World War it was home to the Royal Gunpowder Mill, which is why the town suffered so much damage from German bombing.

Nearby Copped Hall is a fine Georgian mansion and gardens, which saw the first performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. In fact, Shakespeare is said to have written the play specifically for the resident of the hall, Sir Thomas Heneage, in celebration of his wedding to the Countess of Southampton.

Proximity to the A25 is certainly useful, but the regularly high levels of congestion, car accidents and pollution, is a particular downside of this neighbourhood. Additionally, the area is also under a relatively high risk of flooding due to the geographical traits of the land.

Due to its greenbelt status, rural character, and lack of public transport connections, development in this west Essex neighbourhood is extremely slow. The most significant recent development in the area has been a result of the council Master Plan which aims to provide specific enhancements to parks and open spaces across Barnet. Copthall Playing Fields happen to be a key focus with plans for a new sports hub confirmed. Slightly further west, towards Waltham Abbey, plans are under consideration for a small 6,200 square metre employment site which has been firmly opposed by locals.