About

Broxbourne

Like Epping, Broxbourne is both the name of a town and its wider surrounding area. Bordering the Epping Forest District on its western boundary, delightful Broxbourne is our neighbour on the opposite edge of the Lee Valley. Anyone exploring Epping might like to combine a trip to Waltham Abbey, Copped Hall, Epping Forest or Lee Valley Park, with a excursion into Broxbourne. Drive, cycle or walk into Broxbourne and you’ll not only be travelling between two districts but also between two counties as Lee Valley Park sits on the boundary between Essex and Hertford. So, two districts, two counties, but the same warm welcome and range of things to see and do.

Today the modern Borough of Broxbourne encompasses the delightful towns of Broxbourne, Hoddesdon, Cheshunt and Waltham Cross and is bounded by the Lee Valley Park on its eastern border.

There is lots to see and do with something for everyone from country parks to shopping parks, and attractions such as Paradise Wildlife Park. Historic buildings abound including the one that house the Lowewood Museum. Those looking for outdoor adventure will not be disappointed with motor sports at Rye House and water sports in the Lee Valley including the White Water Centre.

Find out more at Broxbourne Borough’s own tourism and visitor website.

Broxbourne

The name Broxbourne in Old English means Badger stream – hence the badger emblem for the borough.

Broxbourne grew up on the Great Cambridge Road (A10) and old houses and inns dating from the 16th to the 19th century along the High Street remain. The Domesday Book mentions Broxbourne Mill in the Manor of Broxbourne, held by the Archbishop of Canterbury. Under the Normans, it passed to the Knights Hospitallers until the Dissolution.

The area was exploited for its gravel and sand extraction that finally came to an end when the mineral reserves were exhausted leaving water filled lakes, several of which form part of the Lee Valley Regional Park

Hoddesdon

Hoddesdon is another settlement that grew to service travellers journeying north from London to Cambridge and pilgrims to Walsingham. Inns lined the main street, St Katharine’s Chapel was built (since gone) and a market was granted in 1253. In Elizabethan times the town grew again and was granted a royal charter.

Rye House in Cheshunt has had a varied history starting in the reign of Charles II when the Rye House Plot referred to a plan to assassinate the King as he passed by. In 1870 a pleasure Garden was opened which proved such a popular destination for Londoners that a new railway station had to be built to serve it. Only the grade one gatehouse survives today but the name has been kept alive by the Rye House Kart Raceway which has been the stepping stone for successful motor sport drivers.  

Cheshunt

Cheshunt has roman origins when it was a settlement on the Roman Road known as Ermine Street. The name Cheshunt refers to a Roman Fort built in the area. The River Lee passes through Cheshunt and was an important transport link for the flower growing industry which once flourished in the area. The railway station next to the river once had a wharf which is now a base for leisure sailing. Today the area is a pleasant place to relax and take advantage of the open spaces and Lee Valley Park just a short journey from London.

Cheshunt is the birthplace of Lotus Cars and was, until 2016, the headquarters of the UK's largest supermarket chain Tesco. Famous people from the area include musician Cliff Richard, four-time Olympic gold medal winning cyclist Laura Kenny, and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham.

Waltham Cross

Waltham Cross once formed part of the parish of Cheshunt and takes its name from the Eleanor Cross which stands in its centre. This is one of only three surviving medieval Eleanor crosses, built as a memorial commemorating the over-night resting place of the coffin of Eleanor of Castile, wife of King Edward I, on its processional journey from Lincoln to Westminster Abbey in 1290. The monument features three statues of the Queen, each standing in a niche under a canopy. The original sculptures have since been replicated during restoration but one of the originals can still be seen at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Waltham Cross is an important transport hub having two railway stations and a bus station all connecting to London and local services into Hertfordshire and Essex.

Most recently, the Lee Valley White Water Centre was built for the 2012 Olympics within a section of the park that falls within Waltham Cross. The Centre continues to offer an exciting and evolving destination for locals and sports fans alike.