Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

Thaxted

Thaxted is a lovely old town in North Essex, about seven miles from Saffron Walden. It stands on the River Chelmer, which joins the Blackwater at Maldon.

The splendid three storey timber framed Guildhall dates from the 15th century, and is a reminder of the town’s prosperity gained from the cutlery trade. The tower mill was built in 1804.

Also from the 15th century is the magnificent church of St. John the Baptist, whose spire is a dominant feature of views around the neighbouring countryside.

The composer Gustav Holst was organist here for twelve years. He wrote much of “The Planets Suite” while living in the town, and its “Jupiter” tune, much loved for “I Vow to Thee My Country”, is actually named “Thaxted”.

There is a famous music festival at Thaxted, initiated by Holst, and it is a well known centre for morris dancing.