Why is Saffron Walden famous?

Saffron is famous for being the world’s most expensive spice, with its distinctive aroma, rich honey-like flavour and trademark yellow hue. The history of Saffron is particularly relevant to Saffron Walden, which took its name from the spice.

Why is it called Saffron Walden?

The ‘Saffron Walden’ name was formalised by Henry VIII in a charter granted in 1514, which showed five saffron flowers in the margins. The story of Saffron Walden and the saffron crocus can be seen by clicking here.

Does Saffron Walden have a railway station?

By Train. The nearest station to Saffron Walden is Audley End, which is located on the Cambridge – London Liverpool Street line. Abellio Greater Anglia runs regular fast trains which stop at Audley End.

When did Walden become Saffron Walden?

1540s
In the records of the Court of Common Pleas, the town was called Magna Walden in Hilary Term 1484, and Chipping Walden in the 15th and early 16th centuries, but by the 1540s it had become Saffron Walden.

Why is saffron called saffron?

Saffron (/ˈsæfrən, -rɒn/) is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus, commonly known as the “saffron crocus”. The vivid crimson stigma and styles, called threads, are collected and dried for use mainly as a seasoning and colouring agent in food. Saffron has long been the world’s costliest spice by weight.

When did saffron come to England?

fourteenth century
It is thought that saffron was introduced to England in the fourteenth century. The Cornish traded their tin for Spanish saffron. It is then thought to have been grown in England around Bude. Hence the beautiful Cornish saffron bread and buns.

What does Walden mean in Saffron Walden?

Valley of the Britons
Saffron Walden’s medieval youth hostel. The original name of this attractive town in north-west Essex was simply ‘Walden’, from the Saxon words for ‘Valley of the Britons’. It gained the prefix ‘Saffron’ when it became a centre for cultivating crocuses in the medieval period.

When did Saffron Walden station close?

1964
The town of Saffron Walden once had a railway station. It opened in 1865, and closed in 1964.

Is Saffron Walden a good place to live?

Saffron Walden has been named in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2021 list. The Uttlesford town is one of the top eight locations in the East of England region. Woodbridge in Suffolk claimed the top spot.

Was saffron grown in UK?

Saffron has been grown in the UK for hundreds of years (Saffron Walden, in Essex, takes its name from the saffron that used to be grown in the area). With a little care you can have home-grown saffron for those special dishes.

Did Cleopatra bathe in saffron?

In ancient Egypt, Cleopatra used to bathe in saffron before encounters with lovers. Saffron has been been linked to many health benefits including: improved mood, libido, and sexual function, as well as reduced PMS symptoms and enhanced weight loss.

What is the story of saffron?

A golden-coloured, water-soluble fabric dye was distilled from saffron stigmas in India in ancient times. Shortly after Buddha died, his priests made saffron the official colour for their robes. The dye has been used for royal garments in several cultures.

What is the history of saffron?

The spice originates from a flower called crocus sativus—commonly known as the “saffron crocus.” It is believed that saffron originated and was first cultivated in Greece, but today the spice is primarily grown in Iran, Greece, Morocco, and India.

What nationality is the last name Walden?

Anglo-Saxon
The name Walden is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from when a family lived in or near any of the places named Walden in Essex, Hertfordshire, and Northern Yorkshire. Walden is a local surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames.

How big is Audley End?

6,500 acres
Audley End Estate comprises 6,500 acres in a rural setting near Saffron Walden, Essex. There are approximately 500 acres of amenity and sporting woodland. The rest of the land is primarily arable farmland, farmed in-hand or let on agricultural tenancies.

How long is the train ride at Audley End?

On average, it takes around 1 hour 20 minutes to travel from Audley End to London Paddington by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 41 minutes though. You’ll usually find 14 trains per day running along the 38 miles (60 km) route between these two destinations.

Is Saffron Walden expensive to live?

Saffron Walden – where the average house price is £450,000 and average rental price is £850 a month – made the list for its award-winning market, historic houses, wealth of clubs and societies and excellent schools; Saffron Walden County High is rated outstanding by Ofsted. Its cultural community offers plenty.

When did the Saffron Walden Railway open?

The Saffron Walden Railway was a branch of the Great Eastern Railway between Audley End and Bartlow on the Stour Valley Railway between Shelford to Haverhill, a distance of 7 1⁄ 4 miles (11.7 km). Contents. Opening. The line was opened between Audley End and Saffron Walden on 21 November 1865 and to Bartlow in 1866.

Where does the name Saffron Walden come from?

The ‘Saffron Walden’ name was formalised by Henry VIII in a charter granted in 1514, which showed five saffron flowers in the margins. The story of Saffron Walden and the saffron crocus can be seen by clicking here.

What is there to do in Saffron Walden?

Beyond the Market Place in Saffron Walden, there are many independent shops and eating places to choose from. Many small business premises are located in the Rows, which were the town’s shopping centre from Medieval times onwards.

When was the first market in Saffron Walden?

A market has been held here since 1141, and market days are now Tuesdays and Saturdays. The town of Saffron Walden was first called ‘Walden’ and then ‘Chipping Walden’ until around 1500 when the saffron crocus was grown extensively in the area and the saffron trade was at its peak.