market-town and municipal borough of England, county of Essex, 22 miles N.N.W. of Chelmsford, and 42 N.N.E. of London. It stands partly in a valley at the foot, and partly on the sides and top of a hill that was formerly rich in saffron, so as to give the name to the town. Above all the other buildings the parish church is conspicuous, from its lofty situation. It is a fine Gothic pile, with an embattled tower. The streets are irregularly laid out, but many of them good; the houses have an antique, but generally neat appearance. There is a large market-place, in which stands an elegant town-hall. The post-office and corn exchange are also handsome buildings, the latter in the Italian style. Besides the parish church, there are places of worship for Baptists, Independents, Quakers, Wesleyan and Primitive Methodists. For public instruction the town has a free grammar school, founded in 1522; national, British, and infant schools; a museum, and a literary institution. Here stands part of the walls and towers of an ancient castle built by Magnaville, a Norman knight who came over with the Conqueror. The only manufactories of importance are an iron foundry and a brewery. Barley and malt are the chief articles of trade. Markets are held weekly, and there are three annual fairs. The borough is governed by a mayor, three other aldermen, and twelve councillors. Near Saffron-Walden is Audley End, the seat of Lord Braybrooke, built on the site of an old monastery. Pop. of the borough (1851) 5911.