Jack O’ Legs the Baldock Giant by Luke Callan and Rosalind Callan
This giant was hung by local bakers for stealing flour. His final wish was to be buried where his arrow landed. He is buried in Weston with two markers indicating his arm span. Legendary Essex note: Rosalind’s drawing is of the Giant’s…
The Flitch Trials, Dunmow by Mrs Ely
The Flitch trials are held every 4 years in Dunmow, an abiding tradition of testing and rewarding marital harmony!- if you want to take part in this ancient ritual tradition next Dunmow Flitch Trials and ‘bring home the bacon’ their…
Just Stickers: The Witches of Chelmsford by Victoria Irish
This mixed media piece reimagines the 1589 execution of Joan Prentice – also spelled Prentis – alongside Joan Cunny and Joan Upney; three Essex women accused and executed for witchcraft. Historical accounts describe them as consorting with…
The Brecks Bigfoot of Thetford Forest – Evan B, Luca, Jordan C, Thomas P, Archie H, Harvey, Beau H, Aun.
It is believed that a large creature lurks in the woods of Thetford, Norfolk. Today this is known as the Brecks Bigfoot. Stories say that in the summer of 1986 freak hail and electrical storms and fog filled nights occurred in the area. On…
The Trial of Matthew Hopkins by Shelley Ings
According to legend, Hopkins ghost is said to haunt Mistley Pond. Although Matthew Hopkins life as a ‘witch finder’ is well documented, not much is known about his demise. One account says Hopkins was accused of being a witch himself and…
Radwinter Primary Folkstory-time!
Funny, mysterious and terrifying stories were told and beautifully illustrated by young artists at Radwinter Primary School this June. Pupils took inspiration from classic Essex folk tales like the Essex Serpent and the Essex V Suffolk…
Black Shuck by Malcolm Batty
Legendary Essex note: Lovers of folklore should check out The Black Shuck Festival in Bungay this August - the whole village of Bungay celebrates the storytelling and folklore centred around terrifying accounts of Black Shuck sited in…
Anglia Folklore Centre, The Minories Colchester Friday 13th June
Join Legendary Essex at Anglia Folklore Centre in the beautiful Minories building from 10 -12.30 for a morning of story sharing and postcard art making with all materials supplied and tons of folkloric inspiration in the centre! This is a…