The final service at Langley Methodist Church on Sunday 18 July 2004 marked the end of over 142 years since the chapel was opened in 1862
Historians of Essex
The now considerable corpus of Essex historical literature and historiography is an important component of county tradition and its heritage. This brief survey of the Essex historians and their books is necessarily constrained by considerations of space and content.
John Newman: Martyr
A blue plaque with the above inscription is to be found on the wall of Saffron Walden Town Hall above the western end of the front portico
Saffron Walden Museum’s Birthday
This year, Saffron Walden Museum, celebrates its 190th birthday.
To mark the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.
Guest speakers for the Historical talks are : Jason Webb from Bottisham Airfield Museum who will be giving ‘A brief history of the USAAF 361st Fighter Group at Little Walden and Bottisham’ and Paul Hunt will cover ‘The Homefront on VE Day’ Two 30 minute presentations in the Hall which should give great insights on what local life was like 80 years …
Wicken Bonhunt-Holed stones and sharp iron: equine folklore
The tiny settlement of Bonhunt, part of the parish of Wicken Bonhunt, four miles south-west of Saffron Walden, consists today of only four houses and the abandoned and desecrated early medieval chapel of St. Helen
Saffron Walden Museum: A History- ‘STAND AWHILE AND ADMIRE’
In September, 1832, three gentlemen strolled across the grass in front of the ruined keep of Walden Castle, deep in conversation. They were talking about the possibility of putting up a building for use as a museum
VE Day 80th Anniversary – Thursday 08 May 2025
Saffron Walden Town Council (SWTC) is busy preparing to commemorate 80 years since the end of World War II. On Thursday 08 May, VE80 will mark the Allied victory in Europe. The events throughout the day are open to all with the focus being on the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation. Starting the day at 9am …
Saffron Walden Historical Journal No 49 Spring 2025
The latest edition of the Saffron Walden Historical Journal (No 49 – Spring 2025) is now on sale (£5) at the Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre, Harts bookshop, the Town Museum and the Saffron Walden Historical Society.
Causewayed Enclosures and Stone Circles
Causewayed Enclosures are rare in England, with only about 60 known to exist, most of them in the south and south-east, but at least ten of these were clustered in the Cambridge area
Hot Off the Press
Our Spring Journal will be available at the next talk on Wednesday 23rd April 2025-don’t miss it. See our “Events” tab at the top of this page for details of Clare Mulley’s presentation. Featured in this issue: Saffron Walden Hospitals Little Walden Church Saffron Walden Museum 1975-2025 History News plus much more besides If you can’t get to the talk …
Memories of Broxted
‘The date is 1910, when as a girl of twelve years, I lived in a small village among the meadows, brooks, and endless miles of flowering hedges and trees. All was peaceful in my little village… a church, post-office, mill, school and a candy shop.