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Activity

Saffron Walden

United Kingdom

9 story sections

Hear the food and retail history of our ancient town centre streets and see landmarks including St Marys Church, the 900 year old market square and the Grade 1 listed Sun Inn on Church street.

History & cultureBY TELLBY

Contents

9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines
  1. 1Orientation

    Welcome to Saffron Walden, an exquisite repository of English heritage where the very stones under your feet whisper tales of eight centuries of prosperity and military might. As we stand here in the ancient Market Place, look…

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  2. 2The Town Hall and Quaker Influence

    Standing before the Saffron Walden Town Hall, we witness a masterclass in architectural evolution and local philanthropy. While the core of this structure began as a modest, functional Georgian brick building in 1761, its current…

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  3. 3Market Hill and the Old Sun Inn

    Ascending the gentle slope of Market Hill, we approach one of the most photographed and historically significant structures in all of Essex: the Old Sun Inn. This sprawling timber-framed complex dates back to the 14th century and…

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  4. 4St Mary the Virgin Church

    Dominating the skyline from any vantage point in town is the Church of St Mary the Virgin, the largest non-cathedral parish church in the county of Essex. This site has been a center of spiritual life since the Saxon era,…

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  5. 5Walden Castle: The Norman Stronghold

    As we move to the highest point in the town, we encounter the rugged remains of Walden Castle. This flint and rubble ruin is all that remains of what was once a formidable Norman keep. …

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  6. 6Saffron Walden Museum and the Tale of Wallace the Lion

    Tucked away at the end of Museum Street, within the old castle bailey, is the Saffron Walden Museum. Established in 1835, it holds the distinction of being one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the United Kingdom. …

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  7. 7Bridge End Garden: A Victorian Masterpiece

    Leaving the heavy stone of the castle and museum behind, we find sanctuary in Bridge End Garden. This seven-acre masterpiece of Victorian landscaping was created between 1828 and 1840 by Francis Gibson, another prominent member…

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  8. 8The Common and the Ancient Turf Maze

    Our journey brings us to the Common, a vast expanse of green that has served as a public space for centuries. Here, we encounter one of Saffron Walden’s most enigmatic and ancient treasures: the Turf Maze. …

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  9. 9Closing

    As we return to the Market Place where our journey began, let us reflect on the incredible tapestry of history that is Saffron Walden. This town is a rare example of a place that has successfully balanced preservation with…

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What is Saffron Walden?

Saffron Walden is a place in United Kingdom with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.

Key facts
LocationUnited Kingdom
TypeActivity
Story sections9
Text languageEnglish
Coordinates52.0224, 0.2428
Last updated
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