Today 958 years ago William Duke of Normandy landed at Pevensey in Sussex.

News of this invasion brought King Harold back south fresh from his victory over the King of Norway at Stamford Bridge three days earlier.

As he passed down the Lea Valley he stopped at Waltham Abbey (then a minster) to pray before its famous Holy Cross which drew many pilgrims.

He was as we all know defeated about ten days later at the 1066 Battle of Hastings. The new monarch ‘William the Conqueror’ allowed Harold’s body to be returned to Waltham and buried in the abbey church.

The now shortened nave has left the last Saxon King’s tomb outside the east end where flowers will be laid at noon on Saturday 12 October.