While Colchester is mostly known for its Roman history, it also served as a base for a number of crucial developments that shaped and changed the course of the surrounding county and wider country forever. In this blog, we'll be discussing the Tendring Witch Heritage Trail, a FREE trail set in and around Colchester that will take you on a journey to discover the stories behind the infamous Witch Trials, the laws that fueled them, and the tragic consequences for those accused.
The Tendring Witch Heritage Trail is a fantastic half-term activity for older kids, or those looking to explore the district and spend some time outdoors. Some of the stories and themes covered in this trail naturally have the potential to be upsetting, so please use discretion to determine if it is a good fit for you and your family.
What Were the Witch Trials and How Do They Link to Colchester and Essex?
The Witch Trials were a harrowing craze in the 16th and 17th Century which resulted in the tragic death of thousands of innocent people across Europe.
The county of Essex was disproportionately affected as a direct result of the self-dubbed 'Witchfinder General' Matthew Hopkins, who was responsible for the death of hundreds of women and used the small and unassuming town of Manningtree as his base. Manningtree is located around 10 miles from Colchester, and is easily accessible from the city centre by bus, car or train.
This dark portion of history is one of many parts in Colchester's long story - which you can learn more about here - but deeply and unfairly affected many of those who were accused of witchcraft. You can learn more about Matthew Hopkins and see the cells used in the trials at Colchester Castle.
Pictured: the Manningtree marker for the Tendring Witch Heritage Trail - credit: Essex Sunshine Coast - Walking Trails.
The Tendring Witch Heritage Trail
Now, onto the trail itself: take an immersive journey through the stories of those affected by the Essex witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries. Featuring sculpted benches, informative displays, and augmented reality experiences across nearby locations like Manningtree, St Osyth, Harwich, and Walton-on-the-Naze, the trail brings the past to life in a powerful and thought-provoking way.
The route includes four key locations across Tendring and the surrounding areas:
- Manningtree
- St Osyth
- Harwich
- Walton-on-the-Naze
These can be explored using this interactive map on the Essex Sunshine Coast website, as pictured below. After clicking on the picnic table icons, a pop-up will appear with an attached image, co-ordinates and some additional information. As you explore these stops in person, you'll discover markers, interpretation boards, sculptures, and opportunities to use your smartphone to unlock hidden stories and discover the lives behind the legends. Learn more about each of the stops here.
Contains OS data - Crown Copyright. Essex Sunshine Coast - Walking Trails.
Looking for more FREE things to do in Colchester? Visit the Free Days Out page on our website, which is jam-packed full of attractions, trails and local hotspots to enjoy while you're in our city.
