Saffron Walden History

Saffron Walden is a lovely town, one of Essex’ finest, that has a long and varied history. It has been settled since prehistoric times and there are three earthworks close by.

Today Saffron Walden’s narrow streets are packed with half-timbered, medieval buildings, which feature relief plaster work known as pargeting.The town’s early prosperity (and name) was based on the production and trade of saffron; crocuses were cultivated on a wide scale in the area until the late 1700s.

Then, as now, saffron was an extremely expensive commodity and the wealth it brought is evident all around the town. The Norman Mandeville family built Walden Castle in the 12th century, though only the keep ruins are in evidence today, the castle does live on in the town’s name. The same family established a priory at Audley End, which was dissolved by Henry VIII.