saffron
walden
historical society

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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Featured image for “‘War Ag’ in Saffron Walden district during the Second World War”
January 31, 2026 • posted in Articles

‘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.
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Featured image for “Audley End House Pleased with Return of Restored Portrait”
January 27, 2026 • posted in News

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.
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Featured image for “Reminiscences of a Country Auctioneer”
January 25, 2026 • posted in Articles

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.
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Featured image for “Edward Bawden & His Circle”
January 23, 2026 • posted in Recommended Reading

Edward Bawden & His Circle

Edward Bawden’s (1903-1989) artistic career spanned more than sixty years.
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Featured image for “Preserving the peace: Saffron Walden Borough Police 1836-1857”
January 21, 2026 • posted in Recommended Reading

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.
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Featured image for “Gibson Library awarded grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund”
January 20, 2026 • posted in News

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
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Featured image for “Child Cruelty – Victorian Style: ‘An Awful Case’”
January 15, 2026 • posted in Articles

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.
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