Possible medieval turf maze at The Common (EHER 450)

Turf cut maze situated on Saffron Walden Common The maze measures 43 metres from corner to corner and comprises a series of concentric circles cut into the turf, enclosed by a low bank. It is laid out in a unicursal pattern formed by 17 linked circles with four linked outer horseshoe-shaped bastions which are slightly raised. The maze was first documented in 1699 but is thought to be Medieval in date. Recuts of the maze took place in 1828, 1841, 1859 and 1887. In 1911 the maze was recut and lined in brick to help preservation. A restoration of the maze took place in 1978 and 1979 when the bricks were cemented in place creating a 0.12 metre wide path.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: The Maze (NR). <1> The maze, situated on the common, consists of a series of concentric circles cut in the turf and surrounded by a low bank. The origin of the work is doubtful, but it is "said to have been re-cut at a charge of 15s in 1699 and has been subsequently restored". <2> The largest surviving specimen, basically circular in design with 17 concentric circles linked at certain points by loops. On the circumference are 4 horseshoe-shaped projections. At the centre is a mound. The first written reference to it is in 1699. In the 18th century the central mound was occupied by an ash tree. Re-cuttings are recorded in 1828, 1841, 1859, 1887. Prior to 1911 the path was marked by a groove cut into chalk underlying the turf. In 1911 this groove was cleared and filled with bricks, edge upward, 3' wide. In 1978 and early 1979 the maze was restored again. Damaged bricks were replaced and the bricks were cemented on their sides to give a 4 and a half inches wide path. The date is uncertain, the author here speculates on pre-Christian origins. Medieval turf mazes were constructed to elaborate geometric principles, to illuminate 'life's complexities and the struggle against evil'. This maze is unusual in that one has to walk along the groove. It is usually necessary to follow the turf ridges. Site Assessment = Information boards have been erected and the maze is in very good condition. <3> On the plan, the maze is shown surrounded by a bank with a raised platform opposite the entrance. The origin is doubtful but it is said to have been re-cut in 1699 and it has been subsequently restored. <4> May 1968. Field visit. The maze is as described, the turf cut-passages have been marked by bricks. Published 1:2500 correct. <5> <6> May 1972. Aerial photography. A maze on Saffron Walden Common is first recorded in the 1699 town council accounts. According to Jeff Saward in an article in the Saffron Walden Historical Journal of Spring 2012 it has been refurbished several times. Aerial photographs of 1996 cited in the same article suggest that there might have been a second maze, which could have been either earlier or concurrent with the extant one. This provided the impetus for the geophysical surveys reported here. Unfortunately as is common with recreational sites the magnetic background was too high to detect subtle archaeological features. The main features in the magnetometry survey are utilities track running along the south edge of the survey area and a metalled path with a seat running south-west to north-east across the north edge. An area of increased magnetic noise running north-south in the south-east corner of the survey is anomalous but has insufficient detail to be able to ascribe any structure to it. <7> 1984-1987. Registered park and garden. 43m corner to corner, main areas of circular paths about 29m in diameter. Although first ref. is 1699, thought to be medieval. <8> June 1989. Field visit. The maze consists of a central circular flat topped mound 9.7m in diameter, with a smaller slightly eccentric mound 3.1m in diameter surmounting it. Four low banks 0.2m radiate from the central mound, all are breached by the paths of the maze except the west arm. Each of the external corners is lobed and the paths of the maze pass around them. The maze is surrounded by a low earthwork bank 0.4m with and external ditch. A cast iron notice bears the following information:- Saffron Walden Town Maze Ancient Monument. The largest publicly-owned turf cut maze in England. Date of original cutting unknown. In 1699, 15 shillings was paid for recutting the maze. It was also recut in 1828, 1841 and 1859. In 1911 the chalk path was laid with bricks on their sides. The maze is 35m in diameter and the path is 1,500m long. Saffron Walden Town Council. <9> 1999. Heritage assessment. The turf maze on the east side of the Common is the largest surviving example of its kind in England. Although a medieval origin has been suggested for it, the earliest reference to it is dates to 1699 when the Guild of the Holy Trinity 'paid for the cutting of the maze at the end of the common'. It is not clear whether this was the original construction of the maze or subsequent refurbishment. An aerial photograph taken in 1996 (ESMR 17090, CP/96/67/14) shows what is possibly a second maze located in the centre of the Common. <10> <11> March 2003. Heritage assessment. Turf cut maze situated on Saffron Walden Common The maze measures 43 metres from corner to corner and comprises a series of concentric circles cut into the turf, enclosed by a low bank. It is laid out in a unicursal pattern formed by 17 linked circles with four linked outer horseshoe-shaped bastions which are slightly raised. The maze was first documented in 1699 but is thought to be Medieval in date. Recuts of the maze took place in 1828, 1841, 1859 and 1887. In 1911 the maze was recut and lined in brick to help preservation. A restoration of the maze took place in 1978 and 1979 when the bricks were cemented in place creating a 0.12 metre wide path. <12> See also: <13> - <17>