History Saffron Walden

the remains of 12th-century walden castle

after norman invasion of 1066, stone church built. walden castle, dating 1140, may have been built on pre-existing fortifications. priory, walden abbey, founded under patronage of geoffrey de mandeville, first earl of essex 1136, on site of audley end village. abbey separated walden holywell field. after dissolution of monasteries, sir thomas audley converted cloisters dwelling. later became site of audley end house.

the market square in july 2012, half-timbered guildhall

the market moved nearby newport saffron walden during de mandeville s tenure, increasing town s influence. tuesday market held 1295. town’s first charter granted in 1300, known chepyng (i. e. market) walden. town @ time largely confined castle s outer bailey, in 13th century battle or repel ditches built or extended enclose larger area south. focus of town moved southwards market square.

the main trading item in medieval times wool, , guild hall built wool-staplers in market place. demolished in 1847 make way corn exchange. in 16th–17th centuries saffron crocus (crocus sativus) grown, town s favourable soil , climate. flower valuable, extract stigmas used in medicines, condiment, in perfume, aphrodisiac, , expensive yellow dye. industry gave walden name.

castle street contains many historic buildings photo: julian osley, geograph.org.uk


puritans , quakers

the town , surrounding area, of east anglia, puritan during 17th century. population influenced missionary john eliot. 1640, samuel bass s family , number of others had departed massachusetts bay colony part of great migration.

saffron walden @ centre of eastern association during english civil war. while town headquarters of new model army, lieutenant-general of horse, oliver cromwell paid 19-day visit in may 1647, taking part in debates seek settlement between parliament , army. thought have stayed @ sun inn.

by end of 18th century saffron no longer in demand , industry replaced malt , barley. more 40 maltings stood in town end of century. trade less lucrative saffron, town continued grow through 19th century, , had cattle market, corn exchange , other civic buildings. during time quakers became active. influential gibsons – 1 of founding families of barclays bank – aided construction of several public buildings remain today, such museum , town hall.

in 1900s saffron walden branch railway line audley end station, on mainline london cambridge, extended bartlow. branch succumbed beeching cuts in 1960s.

heavy industry arrived after second world war. acrows ltd, makers of falsework, built premises east of town , became significant employer , economic influence in area. short time there dedicated railway station works known acrow halt. light industry added south of town @ shire hill. agricultural economy continued mechanise, new employment opportunities welcome , migration town surrounding villages led major expansion of housing estates in 1970s , 1980s.

coat of arms , maces

saffron walden s unofficial coat of arms showed saffron crocus within walls of castle in form of heraldic pun – in, saffron walled-in . in 1961, formal coat of arms granted college of arms , adapted in 1974 current form.

the town has 3 ceremonial maces. large mace given saffron walden james ii in 1685 , provides recording of unofficial coat of arms. made of silver gilt, approximately 4 feet (1.2 m) long. 2 smaller silver maces bought corporation in 1549 commemorate granting of new town charter edward vi. purchase recorded in town s guild of holy trinity accounts , reads, 2 new maces, weying 18 ownces 1 quarter , half @ 8s. ownce 7l.7s .