Journal No 33 centred on various aspects of religious history locally, prompted by the 500th anniversary since the Reformation began in 1517, and its aftermath. Subjects included: Ritual in the Pre-Reformation Church at Walden by Elizabeth Allan;  a new archaeological investigation at Tilty Abbey, one of many monastic institutions abolished at the Reformation – this was by Rachel Clarke & Maggie Stevens; the role of Sir Thomas Smith (born in Walden) in the Reformation, by Jeremy Collingwood; an extract from William Harrison’s Description of England, describing in contemporary terms how the Protestant Reformation had changed the ritual of the Church; a pioneering and important new study by Kevin Davey of the activities of Quaker radicals around the Saffron Walden area during the Protectorate; a transcript by Martyn Everett of a remarkable journal kept by a man employed in 1851 to sell Bibles to the poor in Saffron Walden district; building projects at Abbey Lane Congregational Chapel by Stephen Rapkin; memories by Michael Yarrow of his childhood experiences of attending the Plymouth Brethren meetings in Saffron Walden in the 1940s-50s; the biography of an unusual country vicar, Revd John Handson Sperling at Wicken Bonhunt, by Deborah Lowe; and a summary of how the Catholics returned to worship in Saffron Walden in the early 20th century. This very full and fascinating issue is no longer available in retail outlets, but can still be purchased from the Society at the usual price of £3 plus postage.

Saffron Walden Historical Society

 Programme for 2018

All meetings are held at 7.45 pm in the Friends’ Meeting House, High Street, Saffron Walden. £7.00 per member subscription. Visitors £2.00 per visit. All welcome!

Wednesday 24th January 2018 – Historic Houses in Essex – Ben Cowell

Wednesday 28th February – ‘Living in Saffron Walden in the 18^th Century’ (Pt 2) – Hilary Walker

Wednesday 28th March – ‘Reconstructing Essex Medieval Deer Parks’ – Graham Joliffe

Wednesday 25th April – The Great Plague in Essex – Katharine Schofield

Wednesday 23rd May – A.G.M. A short talk will be arranged

The Autumn 2018 programme will be posted here later in the year.

The Autumn 2016 issue of the Society’s journal (no 32) featured articles on the 1920-30s Hunger Marchers who came through the town; the Gold Street fire of 1941; the history of Cleales; the story of Saffron Walden Town Hall; a summary of Stansted Mountfitchet history; new documents relating to the 1862 murder case in Clavering;  and an update on history news in the locality and new publications. There are also obituaries on two fine local historians: Ken Neale and Jean Gumbrell.

The programme below is the current season, ending with the AGM on 23 May:

27 September 2017 – A wander round Pompeii – Richard Priestley

25 October 2017 –  Saffron Walden – Mike Hibbs

22 November 2017 – Abbey Lane Chapel – Stephen Rapkin

24 January 2018 – Historic Houses in Essex – Ben Cowell

28 February 2018 –  Saffron Walden in 18th Century – Hilary Walker

28 March 2018 – Essex Deer Parks – Graham Joliffe

25 April 2018 – Great Plague in Essex – Katharine Schofield

The Autumn 2015 edition of the Journal included articles featuring: a fascinating study of the paintings of William Tomkins of Audley End; a look at the six Essex barons who were among the 25 involved in Magna Carta; some insights into a remarkable set of solicitors’ deeds; a local connection to the slave trade; a link between the town and Napoleon Bonaparte; memories of Sewards End – and more.