At one time, the centre of any successful settlement was a fresh, clean water supply, but now many of the historic wells, their wellheads and handpumps are no more, and there is no understood programme for their conservation.

On Monday 27th of April 2026 our Society launched the new annual Journal at Hart’s Books, Saffron Walden

Richard Austen Butler was born in India to a family steeped in colonial administration and with a formidable educational background. With those initials it was inevitable that he would be known as Rab.

This is the first issue in the new series, which will be published annually. Read about the more familiar aspects of Saffron Walden whilst shedding new light on their histories, as well as the long read by Martin Rose. The latest edition of the Saffron Walden Historical Journal (Series 3, No 1 – Spring 2026) is now on sale (£10)

Windmilling has a long history in Essex and began probably in the 12th century

The Historical Society has produced a Journal for 25 years, publishing the work of local historians and recording significant events.

The official Enclosure Maps and the corresponding Awards are well known, original copies being deposited in county courts and parishes.

Orford House at Ugley in NW Essex is an imposing Grade II* Listed Building thought to have been built in c.1699. It was owned by Admiral Edward Russell.

It is sad that we so often fail to notice the local history that is all around us. For 40 years I have sat in Newport Church Sunday by Sunday and seen the shield often, on the wall of the north aisle with the words: ‘Miles Graye made me 1620’.

The abolition of the whipping post and stocks in 1818 made Walden appear more respectable; and transportations disposed of troublesome inhabitants.

It is over 70 years ago that the GHQ Defence line was finished. An answer to the public, who at that time were asking from the fear of invasion after Dunkirk, ‘and what are they doing about it?’