1647 Sculpture - Consultations

 

Ian Wolter with a model of his sculpture

The placement of a sculpture in St Mary's Churchyard - we'd like to hear your views. 

The Saffron Walden discussions in St Mary’s church in May 1647 “mark the first stage of the debates on democracy” and although they have been overshadowed by the much more radical demands of the subsequent ‘Putney Debates’ in London that autumn “the process of radicalisation and democratisation began back in May in Saffron Walden” and these events “need to be better commemorated and understood”. John Morrill, Emeritus Professor of British and Irish History at Cambridge University.

We are proposing to place a stunning new sculpture within St Mary’s churchyard to commemorate events that happened here in the year 1647. It will have both artistic and historic merit, and you are warmly invited to one of the consultation sessions with members of the Project Team in the church on:

Wed 15th April, 11am
Thu 16th April, 7:30pm
Tue 21st April, 7.30pm 

Please come along to find out more about the project, ask questions and let us hear your views.  We will then ask for your feedback on our {feedback form} to help us gauge the level of support for the proposals. We look forward to seeing you!
 
You can discover some more information about the project in advance of these meetings below:
 
Why are we progressing this project?

1647 Remembered at St Mary's Church - October 2025

The aim of the 1647 Project is to raise the profile of the town’s exceptional and fascinating history, involving the community, and attracting visitors in order to help support the local economy, whilst celebrating and learning more about Saffron Walden’s remarkable story, and St Mary’s part in it, and the contributions made here to the development of democratic government.
 
The Saffron Walden Heritage Development Group’s (SWHDG) 1647 Project is focused upon events in Saffron Walden during the remarkable period of the Civil Wars. In May of 1647, soldiers of the New Model Army, headquartered in the town, met in St Mary's church.
 
Years of arguing for their political and notably, religious freedoms, had led them to be bold in discussing their demands - including settlement of overdue pay and their post-war treatment - and the ordinary soldiers as well as officers elected representatives, known as agitators, from their companies. They were supported by what was then seen as the radical political movement known as the Levellers. Members of the elected group of agitators were incorporated into the army structure and began influencing policy and suggesting more radical political thought later that year, such as the call for greater national political representation.
 
John Morrill, Emeritus Professor of British and Irish History at Cambridge University, an ordained Catholic Priest and patron of the 1647 Project, has written that the Saffron Walden discussions “mark the first stage of the debates on democracy” and although they have been overshadowed by the much more radical demands of the subsequent ‘Putney Debates’ in London’ that autumn “the process of radicalization and democratisation began back in May in Saffron Walden”  and these events “need to be better commemorated and understood”.
 
Saffron Walden has been called “the cradle of English democracy” (Everett) during the English Revolution.
 
Progress so far

Sketch of sculpture

The SWHDG is currently undertaking a project to create a bronze sculpture of three representative figures proposed to be located in St Mary’s churchyard. The figures have been designed to portray  characters from the events; an elected Agitator, a Parliamentary Commissioner, and a woman distributing pamphlets, such as those printed at the time by the Levellers and the Army. Its focus is to commemorate what happened in Saffron Walden, hitherto comparatively overlooked, but now recognized for its political significance, as that tumultuous year progressed.
 
Ian Wolter, a nationally recognised sculptor, commissioned by the National Army Museum, and known for the ‘Kindertransport’ Memorial at Harwich, The Children of Calais, and The Bardfield Artists (at The Fry Gallery) in Saffron Walden, has been working to design the commemorative sculpture.
 
The Project is managed by volunteer members of the Saffron Walden Heritage Development Group, working closely with St Mary’s, Saffron Walden Museum staff and other organisations who may wish to be involved.
  
Patronage has been sought and so far provided by accomplished historian Professor John Morrill as well as The Cromwell Museum. In addition to this, a local network of organisations have pledged to support the Project, including the Town Council, English Heritage and Saffron Walden Museum. 
 
The SWHDG has been an active part of  Saffron Walden Town Council's cultural development workshops group. The 1647 Project has already received a vote of support from the participants of this group. 

Location of sculpture

This support has led to 1647 being a key element in the towns bid to become the UK Town of Culture, due to the unique aspects of what was happening here 380 years ago. Winning this accolade would provide large sums of money to further promote the culture of Saffron Walden for residents of our growing town.
 
The 1647 Project and events are already being promoted through social media platforms linked to the Town Council, St Mary’s, the BID, the TIC, Discover Uttlesford, the Museum, the Sealed Knot  Society and local organisations and businesses.  The support already offered by the Cromwell Museum in Huntingdon, with their existing links to other institutions such as the National Civil War Museum in Newark, will provide further opportunity to reach a broader audience and generate additional coverage.
 
Last October saw a dramatic presentation of the events of May 1647 within St Mary’s. Members of the Sealed Knot Society took on costumed roles of some of the key participants of the meetings, along with some additional interpretation of events of the time. This was followed by an informative Q&A with local historians. There were further costumed displays inside and outside Saffron Walen Museum.
 
 With the support of our PCC, the team have started to look at developing the documents required for a Faculty application.  The Diocesan Advisory Committee have already visited and given their support to the project subject to receiving more information and the Faculty application.

What’s Next?

It is suggested there is a great deal to be gained locally through promoting Saffron Walden’s unique heritage. A singular chance to confirm the town’s previously little recognized contribution to an extraordinary and ultimately formative period in the country’s history, an opportunity very seldom afforded to the majority of the UK’s towns and cities. Drawing together locations and organisations from the town and area and to involve our community, will only help to aid our shared understanding, future and prosperity.
 
We hope the Project will benefit historians and students, residents, and visitors, encouraging interest among local schools and cultural associations. It is envisaged that it will initiate further benefits in the form of commemorative events, artistic exhibitions, and educational activities, and local and national trails.
 
The Sealed Knot are continuing their support of Saffron Walden 1647, returning on May 9th. This time the events will be concentrated at The Old Sun Inn, allegedly where Parliamentary Officers and Commissioners stayed. Members of the public will have a chance to meet the different characters close up and talk to them about the events of May 1647.
 
Saffron Walden Heritage Development Group is already planning a series of larger events in 2027 – which will be the 380th anniversary 1647.
 
We hope that members of St Mary’s Parish Church will look favourably at supporting the proposed sculpture and becoming involved in the 1647 Project.
 
Once we have received your feedback form, the Team will assess them and present back to the PCC in June.  If there is sufficient support for the project, we will generate the Faculty Application and apply for Diocesan approval.

Funding and Fundraising

Fundraising is being undertaken by the Saffron Walden Heritage Development Group, with advice and support the local authorities. Funding is to be sought from a variety of sources and is helped by the support and patronage of organisations and individuals such as those we are already thankful to have.   St Mary’s is church a building of national significance, with a unique place in history so we hope that funders who support the heritage of our nation will contribute significantly to the anticipated £120,000 cost of the project.  

The 1647 Team

Please feel free to approach any members of the Project
 
Steve Hasler – St Mary’s Liaison to the Project
Simon Potter – Churchwarden
Vivian Falk - Churchwarden
Mat Lester – Saffron Walden Heritage Development Group