May 28, 2026 The Richest Man in WaldenGeorge Stacey Gibson was not only Saffron Walden’s greatest Victorian benefactor but he was also probably the richest citizen of the town in his lifetime.…GS Gibsonlegaciesrichest man
May 26, 2026 • posted in NewsAnnual General Meeting We will be hearing from Douglas Kent on the latest developments at the Old Sun Inn, famous for its association with Oliver Cromwell.Read More
May 22, 2026 • posted in Articles‘Fishmere’ and the Brickworks If you walked along Chestnut Avenue towards the Old Cambridge Road last winter, you’ll have had a surprise: a large lake seen through the trees to the southRead More
May 16, 2026 • posted in ArticlesGold Street Fire, July 1941 It seems ironic that the biggest fire in the town during the Second World War was not caused by enemy action, but through what was probably an electrical fault. Read More
May 11, 2026 • posted in ArticlesWater Wells and Handpumps of Uttlesford 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.Read More
May 9, 2026 • posted in NewsAnnual Journal Launch-2026 On Monday 27th of April 2026 our Society launched the new annual Journal at Hart’s Books, Saffron Walden Read More
May 5, 2026 • posted in ArticlesR. A. Butler: Member of Parliament for Saffron Walden, 1929-1964 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.Read More
May 3, 2026 • posted in JournalSaffron Walden Historical Journal-Series 3 No.1 Spring 2026 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)Read More
April 30, 2026 • posted in ArticlesWindmills of Walden Windmilling has a long history in Essex and began probably in the 12th centuryRead More
April 29, 2026 • posted in NewsNEW JOURNAL (SERIES 3) LAUNCHED The Historical Society has produced a Journal for 25 years, publishing the work of local historians and recording significant events.Read More
April 25, 2026 • posted in ArticlesPre-Enclosure Maps of North-West Essex: 1 The official Enclosure Maps and the corresponding Awards are well known, original copies being deposited in county courts and parishes.Read More
April 20, 2026 • posted in ArticlesOrford House, Ugley 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.Read More