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 a number of others had departed for the Massachusetts Bay Colony as part of the Great Migration. Saffron Walden was at the centre of the Eastern Association during the English Civil War. While the town was the headquarters of the New Model Army, Lieutenant-General of Horse, Oliver Cromwell paid a 19-day visit in May 1647, taking part in debates to seek a settlement between Parliament and the army. He is thought to have stayed at the "Sun Inn". By the end of the 18th century saffron was no longer in demand and the industry was replaced by malt and barley.