The discovery of large Saxon burial grounds confirm the age of this charming town.

Many pargeted houses, the one-time sun Inn a particularly good example of this type of plaster work to be found across the county of Essex.

Sadly little remains of the 12 Century castle that once stood in Saffron Walden. However there is an exceptionally interesting museum at Castle Hill. Also worthy of mention and a visit is the area known as “the Maze”. These are a series of circular excavations of unknown origin.

The church dates from the 15th Century, although the spire was added in one of the many restorations, probably around 1831.

Nearby is the English Heritage-managed Jacobean house Audley End.
audley end, saffron walden
Audley End was at various times home to the first Earl of Suffolk and also Charles II. The original house was claimed to match Hampton Court in its magnificence. Robert Adam remodelled it in the 18th Century, in subsequent years finances forced later owners to demolish some parts of the building. Even so it remains a good example of its time and includes Capability Brown’s perfect lake.