Recommended Reading

A selection of local titles is reprinted here, reflecting the wide range of historical research going on in the locality. If out of print, copies are usually available at The Gibson Library in the Market Place. A good range of local history books are on sale in Tourist Information, Market Square, Saffron Walden or at Harts Books in King Street.
Featured image for “Edward Bawden & His Circle”

Edward Bawden & His Circle

Edward Bawden’s (1903-1989) artistic career spanned more than sixty years.

Featured image for “Preserving the peace: Saffron Walden Borough Police 1836-1857”

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.

Featured image for “East Anglian Church Porches”

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.

Featured image for “Saffron Walden Town and City Memories”

Saffron Walden Town and City Memories

Featuring fascinating running texts written by a knowledgeable local author and lavishly illustrated with high quality historical black and white photographs of Saffron Walden,

Featured image for “Diary of a Victorian Gardener”

Diary of a Victorian Gardener

Working class diaries from the 19th century are uncommon, but this one is of particular importance as it was kept by one of the gardeners at Audley End.

Featured image for “Clavering at War”

Clavering at War

Account of the wartime experiences of Clavering people on the Home Front and in the King’s Forces.

Featured image for “Walking the Hamster to the Fountain”

Walking the Hamster to the Fountain

This book is an engaging and fascinating read for all history enthusiasts and anyone wishing to learn more about the character of Essex rural life over many centuries.

Featured image for “Light, Intense and Accurate ”

Light, Intense and Accurate 

Reproduction of a book about US Air Force Fighter tactics developed to counter light flak during World War Two operations,

Featured image for “Dick Turpin the Myth of the English Highwayman”

Dick Turpin the Myth of the English Highwayman

Almost everything people know about Dick Turpin and highwaymen is myth. The historical truth is much nastier, more brutal and bloody. Who was this notorious highwayman and why did he become so famous?

Featured image for “HENRY WINSTANLEY (1644-1703). The Last Renaissance Engineer”

HENRY WINSTANLEY (1644-1703). The Last Renaissance Engineer

Henry Winstanley of Saffron Walden was an ‘engineer’ in both the late mediaeval and the modern sense of the word. Working with pumps, automata, clockwork and fireworks he created wonders which were mechanical, theatrical and hydraulic.