A substantial mansion in the centre of town had been the dwelling of John Harvey (d. 1593), yeoman farmer, master rope-maker, and father of the English renaissance scholar and poet Gabriel Harvey (c.1550-1650).
Not Jumbo: Saffron Walden Museum’s Elephant 1834 – 1960
One of the most illustrious specimens to be displayed in Saffron Walden’s museum was the famous elephant. Yet it was very nearly sent away without being unpacked. It arrived in the country in 1834, together with a large number of other southern African animals and birds, as a response to a letter written by Hannibal Dunn, one of the founder members of the Saffron Walden Natural History Society, to his brother Robert then living at Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape of South Africa.
Cotman Connections: a case of serendipity
Our search gradually revealed the history of another family in Church Street, one that produced one of our finest watercolour painters, John Sell Cotman.
Saffron Walden Museum’s Birthday
This year, Saffron Walden Museum, celebrates its 190th birthday.
Saffron Walden Museum: A History- ‘STAND AWHILE AND ADMIRE’
In September, 1832, three gentlemen strolled across the grass in front of the ruined keep of Walden Castle, deep in conversation. They were talking about the possibility of putting up a building for use as a museum
History News Archive 2006 – 2007
Saffron Walden Town Council agreed to discuss the possibility of commemorating the fact that the Parliamentary Army was stationed in Saffron Walden in 1647
American Bittern: an historic first for Essex
A remarkable detective story began when Nick Green, a member of the Essex Avifauna Committee, joined a group of ornithologists researching specimens of mounted birds kept at museums in Essex.
Saffron Walden Historical Journal No 28 (Autumn 2014)
The beautiful gold Saxon Ring acquired by Saffron Walden Museum, found in the fields of NW Essex, is featured with a splendid colour photograph on the front cover of the Saffron Walden Historical Journal, No 28