Sites and buildings of interest Saffron Walden

saffron walden has largest turf maze of type in england

the 12th-century walden castle, built or expanded geoffrey de mandeville, first earl of essex in ruins. after medieval period, castle fell disuse , of flint taken , used in construction of local houses , wall surrounding audley end estate. remains ruined basement.

near castle turf maze, series of circular excavations cut turf of common. largest example of style of maze in england, main part 100 feet (30 m) in diameter. earliest record of dates 1699, although origin may earlier. has been extensively restored several times, in 1979.

the oldest inhabited building in town believed former maltings @ 1 myddleton place. 15th-century building courtyard garden used youth hostel association 1947 2010. used functions. pevsner described as: without doubt, best medieval house of saffron walden . other notable buildings in bridge street, castle street , side streets off high street. high street contains late-georgian , victorian buildings.

bridge end gardens, group of 7 interlinked 19th-century gardens

bridge end gardens, 7 interlinked gardens – including maze, rose garden , walled garden – laid out gibson family. have been restored heritage lottery fund , volunteers.

st mary virgin, saffron walden largest parish church in essex. church dates end of 15th century, when old smaller church extensively rebuilt master mason john wastell building king s college chapel in nearby city of cambridge. in 1769 damaged lightning , repairs, carried out in 1790s, removed many medieval features. spire added in 1832 replace older lantern tower. church 183 feet (56 m) long , spire, 193 feet (59 m) high, tallest in essex.

the town s catholic church, our lady of compassion, on castle street. created in 1906 16th-century barn, restored in 2004-5. long history of non-conformism, saffron walden has baptist church , quaker meeting house. there united reformed church on abbey lane, methodist church on castle street occupied community church independent former gold street chapel located in gold street.