George Stacey Gibson was not only Saffron Walden’s greatest Victorian benefactor but he was also probably the richest citizen of the town in his lifetime.

We will be hearing from Douglas Kent on the latest developments at the Old Sun Inn, famous for its association with Oliver Cromwell.

If you walked along Chestnut Avenue towards the Old Cambridge Road last winter, you’ll have had a surprise: a large lake seen through the trees to the south

It seems ironic that the biggest fire in the town during the Second World War was not caused by enemy action, but through what was probably an electrical fault.

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.

On Monday 27th of April 2026 our Society launched the new annual Journal at Hart’s Books, Saffron Walden

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.

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)

Windmilling has a long history in Essex and began probably in the 12th century. The earliest recorded windmill was at Henham in 1202.

The Historical Society has produced a Journal for 25 years, publishing the work of local historians and recording significant events.

The official Enclosure Maps and the corresponding Awards are well known, original copies being deposited in county courts and parishes.