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.
Annual Journal Launch-2026
On Monday 27th of April 2026 our Society launched the new annual Journal at Hart’s Books, Saffron Walden
R. 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.
Saffron 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) …
Windmills of Walden
Windmilling has a long history in Essex and began probably in the 12th century
NEW JOURNAL (SERIES 3) LAUNCHED
The Historical Society has produced a Journal for 25 years, publishing the work of local historians and recording significant events.
Pre-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.
Orford 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.
‘Miles Graye Made Me…’
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’.
Australia-The Connection
The abolition of the whipping post and stocks in 1818 made Walden appear more respectable; and transportations disposed of troublesome inhabitants.
Demolition Line: WW2 Defences Littlebury Bridge to Shortgrove Bridge
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?’
Town Library, 1834-1989, Saffron Walden
The Town Library in Saffron Walden was founded in 1834 by a group of Nonconformist local business men who were concerned to provide more opportunities for self help education in the town