Essex Estuaries - Infamous Witch-Craze in Manningtree and Mistley

On this two-guide walk along part of the Stour Estuary Laura will tell the story of women accused of witchcraft during a 17th-century craze that played out in the three villages of Lawford, Manningtree and Mistley. She'll reveal what kinds of women were targeted and talk about why, including the opportunism of men like Matthew Hopkins. Co-guide Rob Smith will talk about Mistley Quay , a port where ships were built in the 18th century and now site of Britain's largest malt factory. The walk also passes Mistley Towers, part of a church designed by Robert Adam.

The walk is about 3 miles long and includes country paths as well as town walking. There is a rest stop at Manningtree's oldest pub, and we end near Mistley station. The walk crosses some open fields, so may be muddy, so boots or high trainers with good soles are needed.

Manningtree is about one hour by train from Liverpool Street Station.

Laura Agustín is a qualified guide as well as historian and writer keen to tell histories of working people treated like an inanimate mass in conventional accounts. The Naked Anthropologist is her longtime blog. Essex estuaries interest her because they are generally not mentioned as worthy destinations - but they are wonderful!