Bakers of Danbury were proud to support the Essex Regional Group of The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) and donate the raffle prizes for the Group’s recent social event. This was held on Saturday 15th July at The Old Sun Inn in Saffron Walden and was attended by Steve Jilks, Head Estimator within the Church Restoration Department at Bakers of Danbury.
The Old Sun Inn is an enchanting and much-cherished Grade I-listed 14th-century building in the historic town of Saffron Walden, Essex with renowned pargeting – decorative plasterwork - dating from the 17th century. Originally medieval houses and later an inn, the building was saved by the SPAB’s former property holding arm, the Ancient Buildings Trust, in the 1930s and for the past 50 years has accommodated an antiques and bookshop. Douglas Kent, SPAB Technical and Research Director, who has owned part of the property for some years, has very recently acquired the remainder.
The event started with a talk and slide show. This described the history of the building, its metamorphosis into a later subdivided state and the plans for its future. This was followed by a tour of the building, including the upstairs and extensive cellars, followed by a delicious dinner and raffle. The event was a sell-out and Bakers of Danbury’s own Steve Jilks said of the event "it was fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable to learn more about this fascinating building".
Here at Bakers, we are always keen to support the protection of ancient buildings. It is certainly good news to know that plans to conserve and re-use this iconic building are underway to sustain it for future generations.
If you would like to hear about future events of the SPAB Essex Regional Group, please click on the image below.
