That’s why in 2025 I’m undertaking an epic 400km walking journey through the many ways of Essex. On my way I’ll explore legendary locations and hidden nooks and crannies, while collecting as many stories as I can. I’ll interview Essex residents, research the history, and learn from the land itself. I'll walk through some of the remotest regions of Essex; from deep rural countryside to desolate coastal marshes; along with towns and villages that represent the huge demographic variety of the county.

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Once my journey is complete, I’ll combine my findings into a collection of modern Essex myths, to celebrate the county and help us understand who we are and where we came from. I’ll return to the places I visited as part of a storytelling tour, sharing stories in the place they came from with the communities living there today. I’ll also record my findings in a book, as well as a short film produced by fellow Essex boy Thomas Winward.

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This project is my love letter to Essex. I hope it will bolster people’s pride in the county, highlight local heritage as well as the natural spaces on our doorsteps, give voice to those who might not otherwise be heard, and ultimately empower us by revealing a little bit more about who we really are. It’s a tall order, but like any self-respecting Essex person, I’m ready for the challenge!

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This project has been made possible with a generous grant from Essex County Council’s Art & Cultural Fund 2025.