“Prof’ Steve Osbourne was a renowned diver and swimmer who entertained seaside visitors by undertaking daring aerial aquatic feats from, amongst other sites, the piers of Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth.
Martin Robinson’s Notebook
The Catlin and Robinson families were well-known in this area at one time, and among family mementoes is an undated (probably early 20th century) notebook belonging to Martin Catlin Robinson, 1860-1933.
Prosecution Associations in NW Essex
Before the advent of the modern day police service, the Parish Constable maintained law and order at parish level. He would be elected from the parishioners on a yearly basis on Easter Monday of each year.
‘War Ag’ in Saffron Walden district during the Second World War
The State-directed food production campaign of the Second World War had more impact on British farming than any previous State intervention.
Audley End House Pleased with Return of Restored Portrait
The 17th Century portrait of the artist Sir Peter Lely with his close friend, architect Hugh May is due to go back on display at Audley End House this year.
Reminiscences of a Country Auctioneer
The profession of auctioneer is very old and well-respected. It can certainly be traced back to Roman times when, amongst other things, slaves were sold by auction.
Edward Bawden & His Circle
Edward Bawden’s (1903-1989) artistic career spanned more than sixty years.
Preserving the peace: Saffron Walden Borough Police 1836-1857
Before reform, one or maybe two men would be designated for a year to fulfil the role of parish constable, and apart from expenses, it was an unpaid position.
Gibson Library awarded grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund
This generous award will enable the Society to raise the profile of the Library and give it a strong digital presence
Child Cruelty – Victorian Style: ‘An Awful Case’
The case of Margaret Rickett (or Ricketts) heard at the Saffron Walden County Bench in 1893 is both shocking and distressing but in the light of her background and upbringing it is perhaps unsurprising.
W.E. Nesfield and the Missing Archives
Neither the rector nor the architect could have foreseen the consequences that were to follow once the Rev J.F.W. Bullock had asked William Eden Nesfield in 1867 to restore and enlarge his parish church at Radwinter.
East Anglian Church Porches
The church porches of medieval England are among the most beautiful and glorious aspects of ecclesiastical architecture; but in comparison with its stained glass, for example, they have been relatively little studied.