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Waltham
Cross
stands in the south-east of Hertfordshire, at the
junction of the M25 and A10.
The town
derives its name from the stone cross brought to the district
in the 11th century by Tovi the Proud, King Canute's standard
bearer.
However,
Waltham Cross is more famous for its beautiful Eleanor Cross,
a Grade I listed medieval stone monument that stands in the
High Street.
The
Eleanor Cross is one of only three crosses to have survived
to the present day.
At the
centre of the modern town is an attractive area of covered
shops.
This
is surrounded by a pedestrianised area, providing space for
open air markets on Wednesdays and Fridays and street entertainment.
Waltham
Cross, and adjoining Cheshunt, are set on the edge of the
Lee Valley Park. Just a mile across the River Lee stands
Waltham Abbey (in
Essex).
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Waltham
Cross
Eleanor
Cross, High Street,
Waltham Cross, magnificent
medieval monument dating from the late-13th century. In
1290 Eleanor of Castille's funeral cortège rested in Waltham
Cross on its way from Harby in Lincolnshire to Westminster Abbey.
King Edward I, her husband, ordered the construction of a commemorative
cross at each of the cortege's 12 stopping places.
