One of England’s most celebrated ancient pargeted buildings

The Old Sun Inn is an enchanting and much-cherished Grade I-listed historic building in Saffron Walden, Essex displaying some of the best pargeting – external decorative plasterwork – in England. Originally medieval houses, then later an inn, the property has subsequently been in mixed commercial and domestic use.

It is timber-framed with 14^th-century origins and overhanging or ‘jettied’ upper floors. The renowned pargeting dates from the 17^th century onwards. The Old Sun Inn is currently undergoing a programme of major conservation, including work to its unique pargeting. The building, though, is open for visits and events by prior appointment or at other advertised times.

Located in the town’s historic hub, the property comprises 29-31 Church Street and 17 Market Hill (previously, for many years, Lankester Antiques & Books) as well as 25-27 Church Street. The latter has been owned by Douglas Kent since 2009 and the former since March 2023.

The Old Sun Inn Needs Your Help!

The beautiful pargeting on this building has been damaged by frost, pigeons and people heel-leaning. This spring we are crowdfunding to conserve this landmark building for future generations using traditional methods and materials. Pargeting is on the red list of endangered craft skills. Donations will assist us with realising this vital work in the absence of accessible grants. After the pargeting is conserved we plan to hold a special tour for all the donors and friends of the Old Sun Inn. The Go Fund Me link is: https://gofund.me/a37d6fb7 .

Pigeon-damaged pargeting

Tours of 29-31 Church Street & 17 Market Hill

About the Tour – It Includes Cake!

Tours include an introductory talk on the building, its history and the present work by owner Douglas Kent. Each tour lasts approximately one-and-a-half hours and includes tea, coffee, homemade cakes and biscuits.

The tours attract a wide range of people but appeal particularly to those with an interest in informed and sensitive work to old buildings. Whether you are a local resident, tourist who plans to visit Saffron Walden or someone simply enthusiastic about our heritage, we hope very much that you will come and explore the Old Sun Inn.

Private tours can be booked by emailing info@oldsuninn.com.

‘Outstanding even in Saffron Walden is the former Sun Inn – an immense, rambling building. Pargeting covers it completely.’

R Chamberlin, 1985 – English Market Towns

Insights into Great Paintings: Talk by Edward Gildea

A broad sweep of periods covered, from Early Renaissance to 20th century via High Renaissance and Romanticism.

Wednesday 14th May at 8pm at the Old Sun Inn

This illustrated talk is based on masterpieces that gave Edward intriguing insights. There might have been some clue or detail that sparked off a deeper exploration of the intentions of the artist which took him on a journey of discovery …

Tickets £5 each available from Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre (01799 524002) or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/old-sun-inn . Aged 16 or over only. Proceeds will go towards building conservation work at our historic, Grade I-listed venue.