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 “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 “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 “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.

Featured image for “Mr Saffron Walden: The Life and Times of George Stacey Gibson (1818-1883)”

Mr Saffron Walden: The Life and Times of George Stacey Gibson (1818-1883)

GEORGE STACEY GIBSON was in many ways the quintessential Victorian philanthropist. Very little happened in Saffron Walden without his knowledge. As the town’s banker, Gibson had his finger in many pies. He was a Councillor and then Alderman for 24 years, and was twice elected Mayor.

Featured image for “4th Fighter Group ‘Debden Eagles’”

4th Fighter Group ‘Debden Eagles’

With first-hand accounts and colour artwork, this book describes the planes and pilots of the famous 4th Fighter Group ‘Fourth but First’ that became the highest-scoring unit of the mighty 8th Air Force in World War 2.

Featured image for “Thomas Netter of Walden: Diplomat, Carmelite and Theologian (c.1372–1430)”

Thomas Netter of Walden: Diplomat, Carmelite and Theologian (c.1372–1430)

Thomas Netter was born in Saffron Walden and spent his early years in the town before entering the church, and becoming a diplomat and confessor for King Henry V, who reportedly died in Netter’s arms.

Featured image for “Sir William Waad, Lieutenant of the Tower, and the Gunpowder Plot”

Sir William Waad, Lieutenant of the Tower, and the Gunpowder Plot

When Sir William Waad became Lieutenant of the Tower of London in August 1605, only three months before the Gunpowder Plot, it was the culmination of a lifetime of service to the Crown