ORIGINAL archives which are seldom seen by the public will be featured in the first-ever Uttlesford History Fair in Saffron Walden later this month. They will include the fascinating Quaker Archives looked after by the Saffron Walden Society of Friends. T

ORIGINAL archives which are seldom seen by the public will be featured in the first-ever Uttlesford History Fair in Saffron Walden later this month.

They will include the fascinating Quaker Archives looked after by the Saffron Walden Society of Friends. These only go on show occasionally, but comprise all sorts of volumes, documents, diaries, letters and other materials reflecting the importance of Quaker history in the town.

Many residents are unaware that Saffron Walden Town Council owns a large collection of archives which in some cases date back to medieval times. They include a 15th century account book of the guilds which were the original town government, early charters of the town incorporation and extensive archives on local administration of the poor laws, crime and utilities.

The Town Archives exhibition will be held in the downstairs room of the Town Hall.

This will be the last time these important and original archives can be seen by the public, as after the exhibition they are being sent to the Essex Record Office (ERO) in Chelmsford for safe keeping and digitisation.

Once digitised, images of the documents will only be available online and the originals will not be available for research.

Local archaeology will be on show, with metal detectorists from the Saffron Walden Searchers' Club, displaying collections of metalwork finds from local fields - unique items for which they have gained landowners' permission to detect and conserve.

From outside the town, there will also be displays of documents, photographs, ephemera and objects of all kinds from many parishes, including the Thaxted Archives which are hardly ever exhibited outside the town.

In addition the ERO will present exhibitions and workshops on family, house and local history. A score of other organisations are also taking part in what promises to be a great day for history enthusiasts from far and wide - and all completely free courtesy of the organisers, the Recorders of Uttlesford History.

The History Fair, which is free to visitors, takes place at Saffron Walden Town Hall on Saturday March 28 from 10 am to 5 pm.

Further information under events section on the recorders' website: www.recordinguttlesfordhistory.org.uk