A brief History of 
Saffron Walden
Essex - England - UK
 
The picturesque medieval market town of SAFFRON WALDEN is situated in the heart of some of the finest countryside of Essex. It is a small country market town with early origins, the name  Walden meaning "Valley of Britons". The early settlement lies to the west and south of the present  town where the Anglo-Saxons cemetery was discovered in 1876.The reference to Saffron denotes the importance of the valuable crocus sativus crop between the 15th and 18th centuries, grown as a medicine, dye and flavouring. The town is crowned by the largest and one of the most beautiful parish churches in Essex. Around the corner from the church is the Old Sun Inn with its elaborate moulded plasterwork (pargetting) depicting the legendary figures of Tom Hickathrift and the Wisbech Giant. The Sun, tradition has it, was where Oliver Cromwell and General Fairfax quartered when passing through the area during the Civil War. Nearby too is the fine medieval building in historic Bridge Street which now accommodates the youth hostel.

Following the Norman Conquest the manor was allocated to the De Mandevilles who most probably built the Castle. The area was dominated by this castle and its enclosure ditches determined the present street pattern.

Bridge End Gardens is a Victorian set piece with restored hedge maze. First started by Atkinson Francis Gibson around 1790, these superb gardens are a remarkably intact reminder of early Victorian elegance. The maze, constructed in 1838-39, has recently been replanted to the original design. Viewing is by prior arrangement through Tourist Information Centre.

 
The Common, formerly Castle Green, played host to a Royal Tournament in 1252. The Maze, situated at the far end of the Common, reputed to be the largest example in turf in the country. Its date is uncertain but considered by some to be 800 years old, or more.

Saffron Walden has a good range of interesting shops, Tuesday and Saturday markets, several restaurants, coffee bars and a modern and well equipped leisure and fitness centre (squash, tennis, swimming, badminton, sauna and multi-gym).  

THE MAZE on  SAFFRON  WALDEN COMMON

The age and purpose of the maze at the east end of the Common are not known, but it may date back to mediaeval times. The first reference to it in the town's records is in the accounts for 1699 "Paid for cutting ye maze at ye end of ye common 15s 0d" (15 shillings = 75 pence in today's money)

The maze is the largest surviving turf maze in England with a diameter of about 100 feet and a diagonal from 'ear' to 'ear' of 138 feet. The narrow, winding path starts on the north side and is about 1550 yards long, nearly a mile. The path was originally cut into the white chalk, but was laid with bricks in 1911. in 1979 the maze was extensively restored; the turf was improved and all 6000 or so red bricks were laid to form a path four and a half inches wide.

 

Today in 2004 Saffron Walden is the headquarters town of Uttlesford District which comprises some 63,752 hectares.

There are 60 villages and towns in the district give or take the odd hamlet or two.

Tourist Information Centre Tel 01799 524002