The saffron crocus (Crocus sativus) had a long history before it arrived to lend its name to Saffron Walden. From the first, saffron was used for various purposes, as a dye, medicinally and as a flavouring; later it was used to enhance gold decoration on medieval manuscripts. The Arabs probably introduced saffron to Spain:it spread within Europe as well as further eastward to India. Today it is a significant ingredient in Mediterranean and Indian cookery - and in the saffron buns baked in Cornwall and for St. Lucia's Day in Sweden. Saffron appeared in England at the time of Edward the Third (1327-1377). Tax records indicate saffron cultivation in Walden in 1444, but it was the 16th century that the town became the country's major centre for the production of the spice.

Courtesy of Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre

Myddylton Place and The Close

Myddylton Place is Grade I listed and is the finest medieval building in the town. It was built as a combined shop, home and warehouse in the 1490's. There is a fine doorway into Bridge Street and a a carved dragon post on the corner. The sack hoist in the roof was added in the early 19th century when part of the building was converted into a malting. Diagonally across the road from Myddylton Place stands The Close, a fine late 15th century timber framed house with later additions including an unusual 17th century "Spider" window.

Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin

This is the largest parish church in Essex and the earliest features date from 1250, but the majority of the church was rebuilt in the Perpendicular style between 1470 and 1525. The church size reflects the wealth of the town in the height of the saffron trade.