town (parish), Uttlesford district, in the northwest corner of the administrative and historic county of Essex, England. The settlement grew around a Norman castle and abbey in a district that was important for domestic weaving. In the mid-14th century the saffron crocus was introduced to provide a yellow dye, and its name became attached to the place. The town today functions as a rural service centre with some light industries. Pop. (2001) 15,095.