Transfer from Waltham Abbey (EN9) to Stansted Airport

By the 17^th century, Waltham Abbey featured 4 churchwardens that had local government functions like distributing poor relief. At the same time, in the 17^th century, the town was home to a gunpowder factory. It was expanded in the 19^th century and it was converted into the Royal Gunpowder Mills of Waltham Abbey. The site became even larger in the following years and it was a major target in the Second World War. During the war, it was irretrievably damaged by a German rocket. Also, numerous persons died because of the bombing. In 1943, the factory was closed and later it was converted to a research establishment for explosives.

In the 18^th and 19^th centuries, Waltham Abbey was also known for its fulling mill and pin factory. Other important industries were calico and silk. The navigation on the River Lee was also significant for the period. On the outskirts of the town agriculture was the main occupation and by the 20^th century the town was famous for its market gardens.