Horses’ hooves and soldiers’ boots will pound the streets of Waltham Abbey this afternoon (October 6) as “King Harold” returns.

English Heritage is recreating the hurried march south by the king and his followers after the battle of Stamford Bridge in Yorkshire, as part of the 950th anniversary of the battle of Hastings.

Today, the re-enactors are travelling from Little Hadham via Stanstead Abbotts, planning to arrive at Waltham Abbey before 5pm.

Onlookers and the Rector of Waltham Abbey, the Reverend Peter Smith, will greet the marchers at the Abbey Gateway.

On his way south, King Harold is said to have prayed at the Holy Cross of Waltham.

Event organisers said: “He entered the church, knelt at the Holy Cross and prayed.

“As he did so legend has it that the figure on the crucifix bowed its head.

“This was taken as a bad omen for the coming battle, which sadly proved right.”

A ceremony will be held today, including an actor dressed as King Harold praying at the cross.

Anyone with medieval costume is encouraged to wear it to “add to the atmosphere of the occasion”.

King Harold Day will be marked in Waltham Abbey on Saturday.