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Waltham Cross Formerly part of the parish of Cheshunt |
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This hamlet is situated on the road to Ware, eleven miles from London. It is one of the wards of the parish of Cheshunt, and contains 100 houses. The hamlet takes its name from an ancient cross, erected, as is supposed, by Edward the First, in memory of his beloved wife Eleanor. This cross, which is almost the only thing worthy of notice in the place, adjoins to the Falcon Inn. The following description of its present state is taken from the third volume of the Monumenta Vetusta, published by the Society of Antiquaries, who have twice interested themselves in preserving this curious remnant of antiquity from further decay. ... At Waltham Cross is the site of a manor, called Dacies, alias Crossbrooks, which, as far back as I have been able to trace it, has belonged to the same persons as that of Theobalds. It is nevertheless a separate manor, as may be seen by referring to the surveys (in the Augmentation-office) made of each, in 1650. The manorial rights were then valued at 7l. 17s. 4½d. per annum, the land at 20l.; but stated to be very improvable. The manor is described as being intermingled with that of Cheshunt in all parts of the parish. A court baron is still held for it. The survey of Theobalds manor, before mentioned, describes an ancient spital at Waltham Cross, consisting of four rooms below and three above, by prescription and time out of mind, appropriated for poor lame impotent people. It is still used for the same purpose, (being occupied by four poor widows,) and is held under the manor of Theobalds, to which it pays a small quit-rent. The workhouse for the parish of Cheshunt is situated at Waltham Cross. from Lyson's Environs of London, 1811
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WALTHAM CROSS |
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Postcard by S. Hildesheimer, posted 1917 |
