Episode 7: Confessions and Cunning Folk - The Truth Behind the St Osyth Witches
This October, join your host Eri Berry for a three-part deep-dive into the truth behind the Essex witch trials. In this second part, we'll search for the truth surrounding the controversial work of magistrate Brian Darcy and the fourteen women he investigated for witchcraft in the village of St Osyth and beyond. CONTENT WARNING: Contains discussions of infant death and child mortality within historical contexts - this episode may not be suitable for all listeners. Time stamps: 00:00:00...
11 Oct 2026
Episode 6: Magic, Misfortune, and a Very Confused Church - The Road to Essex's Witch Trials
This October, join your host Eri Berry for a three-part deep-dive into the truth behind the Essex witch trials. In this first part, we'll uncover the wider historical context to better understand how we ended up with anti-witchcraft legislation in the first place, as well as identifying likely candidates for the first women executed under these questionable pieces of statute. Click here for the show-notes, including image attribution. Follow Unexpected Essex on social media! TikTo...
27 Sept 2026
Episode 3 - Villeins Ye Are...
When people think of the Peasants' Revolt, usually, the focus is on the Kentish Rebels. But what about the rebels north of London? Join Eri Berry as she explores how the 1381 Peasants' Revolt kicked off in Essex, the stories of the key players from this rebellion and the legacy they left behind. In 1381, widespread anger over unfair tax burdens, economic hardship, and centuries of feudal control sparked the Peasants' Revolt - one of the most famous popular uprisings in English history. ...
27 Sept 2026
Episode 2 - By Their Fruits Shall Ye Know Them - The Jam Makers of Essex
Join Eri Berry as she explores a sweeter side of Essex in this deep dive into the history of one of the county's most beloved products - Tiptree Jam! Eri has loved Tiptree Jam since she was a child and thoroughly enjoyed researching the history of Wilkin and Sons Limited who have been manufacturing jam in the village of Tiptree for over 140 years. From humble beginnings to a globally recognised brand, this episode pays tribute to a truly Essex company. Sit back, grab a cup of tea, maybe...
27 Sept 2026
Episode 4 - Turning the Tide
In this episode, Eri Berry brings you the stories of three areas of Essex that have been through significant transformations to demonstrate the positive impact of what can happen when we work with nature rather than against her. Join Eri on a journey to discover the conservation work that has taken place across three locations in Essex: Abbotts Hall Farm, Wallasea Island, and Spains Hall in Finchingfield. Each of these places has a story to tell and a lesson to learn about the potential solut...
27 Sept 2026
Episode 5 - The Highwayman
On this episode of Unexpected Essex, your host Eri Berry deep dives into the murky world of 18th century highway robbery. Today, we answer the question: just who was Dick Turpin, how was he connected to Essex, and exactly what was the real deal with highwaymen? This episode explores the life of highwayman Dick Turpin, the circumstances of his eventual execution, and how society came to romanticise the figure of the gentleman highwayman in popular culture. Turpin was born in Hempstead, a...
27 Sept 2026
Episode 1 - The Lighthouse Builder
Unexpected Essex host Eri Berry answers the question: how did a man who lived miles from the sea, with no nautical experience, no opportunity to go to university build the world’s first offshore lighthouse? And why isn’t he better known? This episode explores the fascinating life and tragic end of Henry Winstanley, builder of the first offshore lighthouse on the Eddystone rocks off the coast of Plymouth. Winstanley was born in Saffron Walden and grew up dreaming of a career as an architect. A...
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