Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Saffron Walden has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Saffron Walden.
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Sights in Saffron Walden
Saffron Walden is a historic market town in the county of Essex in England. The town is located about 10 miles (16 km) north of Bishop’s Stortford and about 20 miles (32 km) southwest of Cambridge. The town has a population of about 15,000 people.
The town is notable for its 11thcentury castle, the ruins of which are a Grade I listed building, and for its 15thcentury parish church, St Mary’s, which is also a Grade I listed building.
The town’s name is derived from the Persian word “saffron”, which was used to describe the quality of the town’s wool in the Middle Ages. The town’s crest depicts three crocuses, the flowers from which saffron is derived.
The town is twinned with the town of Walden in New York State, United States.
The castle was built in 1066 by William the Conqueror’s nephew, Hugh d’Avranches, the first Earl of Chester. The castle was designed to be an impregnable fortress and it served as a base for the Norman conquest of England. The castle was besieged by the forces of King Stephen in 1141 during the Anarchy, but it was successfully defended by the Earl of Chester.
The castle was remodelled in the 13th century and again in the 15th century. In 1487, the castle was occupied by the Yorkist Army during the Battle of Stoke Field, the last battle of the Wars of the Roses. The castle was abandoned in the 16th century and it fell into ruin.
The parish church of St Mary’s was originally built in the 12th century. The church was rebuilt in the 15th century and it is one of the finest examples of late Perpendicular Gothic architecture in England. The church has a hammerbeam roof and an octagonal spire.
The town’s market square is surrounded by medieval timberframed buildings. The ancient market cross, which dates from the 14th century, still stands in the square.
The town’s museum, the Saffron Walden Museum, is located in an 18thcentury building on the market square. The museum houses a collection of local artefacts and exhibits on the history of the town.
The town is home to Walden Golf Club, which was founded in 1894. The club’s course is located on the outskirts of the town.
Saffron Walden is a beautiful town with a rich history. It is definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.
History of Saffron Walden
The market town of Saffron Walden is steeped in history, with a beautiful market square, fantastic medieval buildings and a rich heritage dating back over a thousand years. The name Walden comes from the AngloSaxon Wældences æt, meaning ‘settlement in the woods’. One of the earliest references to the town was in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was listed as Walcden.
The town grew up around Walden Abbey, a Benedictine monastery founded in 1140. The abbey was sacked during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century and today only the Abbey Gateway remains.
Saffron Walden developed into an important market town and was granted a charter in 1232. The superb market square, surrounded by historic buildings, is one of the finest in England and testament to the town’s wealthy past. The Guildhall, built in 1617, is the most notable of these, while the Clock Tower, erected in 1610, is another landmark.
The town’s position on the borders of Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire made it an important stop on the coaching route between London and East Anglia. This resulted in a number of fine coaching inns being built, many of which survive to this day.
Saffron Walden’s most famous son is the writer and poet John Clare (17931864). Born into a poor family, Clare worked as a farm labourer for much of his life, but his poetry brought him fame and recognition. Today, a statue of Clare can be found in the town centre, while his birthplace is just a short walk from the centre.
The town has also been home to a number of notable residents over the centuries, including the scientist Robert Boyle (16271691), who discovered the gas laws that bear his name, and the politician William Pitt the Younger (17591806), who was Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 17831801 and again from 18041806.
Saffron Walden is a charming town with a fascinating history. It is well worth a visit to explore its many historic buildings and to enjoy the lively market square.
Vacation in Saffron Walden
angular, crouching towers. The ground floor has an arched doorway which leads into a large, airy hall. At the north end of this hall is the door to the great kitchen, while at the southern end are the drawing room, library and family room. Above these, on the first floor, are the bedrooms and guestrooms. The attics are given over to storage and housekeeping.
There are many reasons to visit the historic market town of Saffron Walden in Essex, England. This quaint town is home to centuriesold buildings, great shopping, and a lively calendar of events. It’s also the perfect base for exploring the picturesque countryside of Essex and Hertfordshire.
Saffron Walden is located about 45 minutes north of London by train. The town is small enough to explore easily on foot, and there’s no shortage of things to see and do. The main attraction is undoubtedly the medieval Market Square, which is surrounded by beautifully preserved halftimbered houses dating back to the 15th century. The Town Hall, built in 1610, is another mustsee.
There are plenty of shops and cafes in Saffron Walden, as well as a good selection of pubs and restaurants. The town is especially lively on market days, when the square is filled with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to vintage clothes.
If you’re looking for something to do beyond simply strolling around and taking in the sights, Saffron Walden is home to a number of museums and historic houses. The Audley End House and Gardens, a former royal residence, is just a short bus ride away. For something closer to town, the Saffron Walden Museum is housed in a gorgeous 17thcentury building and contains exhibitions on the town’s history and heritage.
no shortage of things to see and do. The main attraction is undoubtedly the medieval Market Square, which is surrounded by beautifully preserved halftimbered houses dating back to the 15th century. The Town Hall, built in 1610, is another mustsee.
There are plenty of shops and cafes in Saffron Walden, as well as a good selection of pubs and restaurants. The town is especially lively on market days, when the square is filled with stalls selling everything from fresh produce to vintage clothes.
If you’re looking for something to do beyond simply strolling around and taking in the sights, Saffron Walden is home to a number of museums and historic houses. The Audley End House and Gardens, a former royal residence, is just a short bus ride away. For something closer to town, the Saffron Walden Museum is housed in a gorgeous 17thcentury building and contains exhibitions on the town’s history and heritage.
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