Nostalgic memories of Saffron Walden's local history

Share your own memories of Saffron Walden and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

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Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 14 in total

I have lived in Saffron Walden all my life - was born at SW Hospital - we lived in Audley End then. My most vivid memory is of the tragic fire at the Rose & Crown Hotel in the market Square (now Boots), I think it was Christmas night/boxing day morning of 1970 when 11 people sadly lost their lives. My sister, Maggie, was head receptionist at the time, and because of the enormous stress of the then ...see more
Hi, My sister and I were at a boarding school in the early to mid 1960's in Saffron Walden does anyone know it's name, I think my mum use to refer to it as audley end but looking at the pictures that seems a lot bigger than I remember. They were not great memories it was a harsh environment and by today's standards almost Victorian. Thanks Steve
any one remember the walkers that lived in Cornwallis place,i believe patsy walker lived there,now deceased.but her husband tony calver originally from stortford.still lives in little walden road.and yes I also remember the prefabs,i had a friend there Sheila philipson,who I believe lives in the states some where,i also live in the states,would love to know who ever ...see more
My very first job while still at school was working at Harts Printers as a delivery boy. I delivered cards and packs of headed paper to a lot of the company's in S.W. My delivery method was by means of a large bike with a large metal basket in front. small wheel in front and no gears, it got pushed more than ridden ( especially up Debden rd./ Mount Pleasant. ). My Bike was always parked by Gate, which ...see more
I was born in Bridge House, which I understand was a nursing or maternity home at the time. Does anyone remember what it was called? My home was a prefab at Homer Cross, just off the Little Walden Road. The prefabs were grouped round a green, on which the local children played. I have vague memories of it, it seemed huge at the time. The ground behind us sloped up, and at some point there was a rush of water ...see more
I was born in Saffron Walden 57 years ago. I was a Mulcahy and went to St Mary's in Castle Street. It was reading about the paddling pool that prompted me into writing. I remember playing at that pool, oh so many years ago. We had such fun there and we could play so happily with no fear of being taken off or hurt like today. I could roam Saffron Walden and did freely from the age of 7. I seemed ...see more
I was at the college for 2 years, maiden name Stone. I have wonderful memories of my time there. School practice in the school next door and outlying village schools.The people in the town were so friendly and we took part in a lot of local events. I attended the Methodist Church with a few of the students and the people there were very hospitable. Being very far from my home in Cornwall it was so good to have ...see more
I lived in Saffron Walden as a small child, I moved away when I was aged 10 but still think of it as home. There used to be a fishmongers in King Street which I think is a butchers now and we lived in the flat above it. I went to R.A. Butler School and spent many happy hours playing on the common. I remember clearly the night that the Rose and Crown Hotel burnt down as we could see it from our windows. My mum ...see more
I spent the first night following my wedding here so that spot will always have a special memory for me. The room was old and I seem to remember the floor was very uneven, however we did manage to have a great first night! My parents lived in Saffron for a number of years, eventually emigrating to New Zealand. I joined them later, minus my bride sadly. I have visited Saffron on trips back to the UK on a ...see more
I have lived in Saffron Walden all my life of 50 years. I have many great memories of Saffron Walden. My greatest memories are of the time we had at the locally named Paddler. The Paddler was at the top end of Rowntree Way. The area had a Pumping Station owned by the Water Board (still there today). There was a large paddling pool, 2 large grass play areas (no longer there due to houses being built). The pool was a ...see more