Call for heritage protection after wall smashed in Waltham Abbey Gardens

An appeal for information was made this morning (April 16) by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority (LVRPA) after a hole was smashed in the 16th century wall in Waltham Abbey Gardens.

The wall is protected as a scheduled monument by government body Historic England and the vandalism could have lead to an unlimited fine and two years in prison for an adult.

It is believed the children may have used a sledgehammer in the incident on April 2, which is expected to cost thousands of pounds in damages.

“It was quite a determined attack on the wall”, said Mike Ver Bruggen, 46, who photographed the damage.

“I wonder why anybody would have the inspiration to destroy something in the local area that is linked to the heritage of the whole country.

“I have lived here all my life, it almost feels very personal that this took place.”

There was concern earlier that the destruction could affect an ongoing search for the unmarked grave of King Harold, but it is now known to be in a different section of the gardens.

Author Peter Burke, who has been leading the search for the grave, said: “It is outrageous, maybe they did not know what they were doing but obviously the parents should be made aware and have more control."

Author Peter Burke suggested further protection for historic monuments

“Once it is damaged, it is not going back how it was, it changes the whole thing – it is new.

“Maybe there should be more protection round where the walls are, even if it is just fencing off, if they are that important.”

Alex Farris, green spaces manager at LVRPA, said: “I think it would be a terrible shame to have to do that, and it would be a last resort.

“Obviously they do need to be protected but they are there for people to enjoy.”

He added: “It is very disappointing, and I think most people enjoy the site.

“It is an extreme minority who would do something like that, and they are just letting the whole community down.”