saffron
walden
historical society

Featured image for “Turf Maze on Saffron Walden Common”
March 17, 2026 • posted in Articles

Turf Maze on Saffron Walden Common

The turf maze or labyrinth at Saffron Walden is one of the best-known and well-maintained historic turf labyrinths in Europe, and it is also the largest surviving example
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Featured image for “Home Guard in Saffron Walden”
March 11, 2026 • posted in Articles

Home Guard in Saffron Walden

When, in May 1940, the German Army quickly invaded France, Holland and Belgium, there was a real fear throughout the country that Britain would be next.
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Featured image for “Evacuee: A Wartime Childhood”
March 7, 2026 • posted in Recommended Reading

Evacuee: A Wartime Childhood

Brian’s recollections of his childhood years as an evacuee in Saffron Walden during World War 2 are sometimes funny and often poignant.
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Featured image for “Walking the Lost Railways of Essex”
March 6, 2026 • posted in Recommended Reading

Walking the Lost Railways of Essex

Twenty-one circular walks covering 120 miles of footpaths
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Featured image for “The Vikings are coming!”
March 5, 2026 • posted in News

The Vikings are coming!

There’s plenty to look forward to at Flag Fen over the coming months from their biggest living history event of the year to creative family workshops
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Featured image for “Miss Ruby Violet Hurn 1908-2007”
March 5, 2026 • posted in Articles

Miss Ruby Violet Hurn 1908-2007

On 1 October 1908, Ruby Violet Hurn was born at Madison Bull Lodge, Audley End, where her father, Harry Hurn, was head groom to Lord and Lady Howard de Walden.
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Featured image for “Rose & Crown Inn, Saffron Walden, 1359 –1969”
February 28, 2026 • posted in Articles

Rose & Crown Inn, Saffron Walden, 1359 –1969

December 2009 marked the 40th anniversary of the tragic fire at the Rose & Crown Hotel in Saffron Walden, during which eleven people lost their lives.
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Featured image for “Radwinter’s Remarkable Reredos”
February 22, 2026 • posted in Articles

Radwinter’s Remarkable Reredos

A 16th-century altarpiece of international importance was restored to its full splendour and returned to the parish church of St. Mary the Virgin, Radwinter in September 2003.
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Featured image for “Prof. Steve Osbourne – renowned diver and swimmer”
February 16, 2026 • posted in Articles

Prof. Steve Osbourne – renowned diver and swimmer

“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.
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Featured image for “Martin Robinson’s Notebook”
February 11, 2026 • posted in Articles

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.
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Featured image for “Prosecution Associations in NW Essex”
February 5, 2026 • posted in Articles

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.
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