East Street, Saffron Walden

A HOME WITH A STORY TO TELL
Originally built in 1838 as the Boys' British School, this Grade II listed building has stood at the heart of Saffron Walden for almost 200 years. Today, it has been converted into individual homes, and this particular property offers a rare opportunity to live within one of the town's most distinctive historic buildings.
The property itself extends to approximately 1,197 sq ft and is arranged over three floors. The first floor provides a generous 25'1" x 12'10" reception room, a separate kitchen, shower room and one bedroom, while the second floor offers two further spacious bedrooms, each accessed via its own private staircase.
The home also benefits from two parking spaces, while Saffron Walden Common is right on the doorstep, providing a wonderful open space just moments from the property. And, of course, being right in the centre of Saffron Walden means the town's shops, restaurants, cafés and amenities are all within easy reach.
THE HISTORY
The story of the Boys' British School is a fascinating one. Built in 1838, it was established to provide education for local boys, particularly those from poorer families. Parents paid just 2d per week, making education accessible to families who may otherwise have struggled to afford it.
The school was built according to the principles of the British and Foreign School Society, which promoted non-denominational education. The Gibson family, one of Saffron Walden's most prominent philanthropic families, played an important role in its creation, with William Gibson providing the building rent-free and George Stacey Gibson serving as treasurer.
The school quickly grew in popularity. Its first headmaster was William Jenkines and, within its first three years, average attendance was around 100 pupils. By 1844, numbers had risen to almost 200 boys. In 1847, the school became affiliated with the British and Foreign School Society in order to qualify for government grants, although this led to the resignation of its first headmaster.
One of the most interesting moments in the school's history came in 1869, when the renowned Victorian education inspector and writer Matthew Arnold visited. His report described the school as full and praised the discipline of the pupils.
The school continued to educate generations of local boys well into the 20th century. Former teacher W. E. Foster, who worked at the school from 1937, later recalled school life there, including football, cricket and winter sledging on Saffron Walden Common. During the Second World War, gas masks were issued to the pupils and stored beneath their desks — although, as Foster recalled, they later became rather useful containers for the boys' treasures.
The school's history also has a poignant side. A First World War Roll of Honour commemorates 330 former pupils, of whom 255 served and 75 lost their lives. The roll is now held by the Imperial War Museum.
Following the 1944 Education Act, the school became a Controlled School, and in 1950 the opening of Saffron Walden County High School saw the older boys transfer there. The Boys' British School eventually closed in 1982, bringing more than 140 years of education at the building to an end.
The building itself remains remarkably recognisable today. Its handsome gault brick frontage, slate roof, nine-bay design, central pediment, Tuscan columns and the original '1838 BOYS BRITISH SCHOOL' inscription are all reminders of its former purpose. It was formally Grade II listed in 1972.
Today, rather than classrooms filled with schoolchildren, the building is home to individual residences — giving you the chance to become the latest chapter in a building with an extraordinary story.
Leasehold — approximately 969 years remaining. The property is to be sold with the freehold. No ground rent or service charge payable. There is a small maintenance charge of approx. £400 PA for the car park area.
£240 PA for 2 Car Parking Spaces.
Council Tax Band D & EPC Exempt.
Lease, ground rent and maintenance details have been provided by the seller, but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed, as we may not have seen a copy of the original lease. Should you proceed with the purchase of this property, lease details must be verified by your solicitor.