Saffron Walden
Saffron Walden is a market town in Essex that retains a rural appearance and some buildings of the medieval period. Saffron Walden has been twinned with Saverne in Alsace, France since 1981.
The Saffron Walden Museum is housed in the remains of Saffron Walden Castle. Our understanding of Saffron Walden during the Anglo-Saxon period comes from a detailed study of Saffron Walden castle and its surrounding area, which was excavated by archaeologists between 1972-84. The town's market charter dates from 1130. King John granted the town its first charter in 1200 making it a 'free borough'. Saffron Walden has almost continuously enjoyed market town status since 1227.