Essex Estuaries - The Infamous Witch-Craze of Manningtree

A guided 3-mile walk along the Stour Estuary exploring the 17th-century Manningtree witch-craze and the women it targeted.

This guided walk follows the Stour Estuary through Lawford, Manningtree and Mistley, where a witch-hunt played out during the Civil War. Guide Laura explains which women were accused of witchcraft, why they were targeted, and by whom — from opportunists like Matthew Hopkins to ordinary neighbours. Co-guide Rob Smith covers Mistley Quay's 18th-century shipbuilding and Mistley Towers, part of a church designed by Robert Adam. The roughly 3-mile route takes about 3.5 hours over country paths and town streets, with a rest stop at Manningtree's oldest pub, and finishes near Mistley station.