1915 Saffron Walden by-election operation no opposing candidate was nominated against him. There being no other candidates putting themselves forward Beck was returned unopposed. 1915 Saffron Walden by-election The Saffron Walden by-election, 1915 was a parliamentary by-election held for the House of Commons constituency of Saffron Walden in Essex on 13 February 1915. The by-election was caused by the resignation of the sitting Liberal MP, Cecil Beck. Beck had been appointed a Lord Commissioner of the Treasury, one of the formal titles held by government Whips and under the Parliamentary rules of the day had to resign and fight a by-election. Beck was re-selected
Saffron Walden market place. This was demolished in 1847 to make way for a corn exchange. In the 16th–17th centuries the saffron crocus ("Crocus sativus") was widely grown, thanks to the town's favourable soil and climate. The flower was valuable, as the extract from the stigmas was used in medicines, as a condiment, in perfume, as an aphrodisiac, and as an expensive yellow dye. The industry gave Walden its name. The town and surrounding area, like much of East Anglia, was strongly Puritan during the 17th century. The population was influenced by the missionary John Eliot. By 1640, Samuel Bass's family and