THE ESSEX WAYS
AN EPIC STORYTELLING JOURNEY
“Some people think it has no mystery, but I know that Essex is a huge mysterious county, with God knows what going on in its remoter valleys.”
- JB Priestley
WHAT IS THE REAL SPIRIT OF ESSEX?
Like most people from Essex, I’m fiercely proud of my home county.The media love to spin a one-dimensional idea of what the county is all about: they do say "The ONLY way is Essex" after all. But I know that’s only one facet of this many-splendoured jewel. It’s not a one way kinda place!
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I believe that Essex is one of the most fascinating counties in England. You only need to scratch the surface to find amazing stories, from ancient times to the modern day; many of which show that Essex hasn’t changed as much as we might think. I believe that the more of these stories we discover and put together, the closer we get to the true soul of Essex: the myths at the heart of this great county.​​
THE JOURNEY
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.
SHARE YOUR STORY
My fortune will depend on the Essex residents along my walking route who choose to share their stories with me. Whether it’s an epic legend, a fragment of family history, or an experience of everyday life; I want to hear it all.
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If you’d like to meet me somewhere on my route to share a story or two, please get in touch. With your permission, your story will be submitted to the Essex Sound & Video archive to be preserved for future generations. Your story might also be featured in a community performance, or a book of modern Essex myths. Either way, you'll be contributing to an epic story of Essex!
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If you can’t join me on the walk, you’ll be able to join one of my storytelling performances taking place this summer in locations visited on the walk (dates and venues TBC). You’ll be able to hear some of the stories I’ve uncovered, as well as have a chance to share your own. Or you’re welcome to contact me through email. If you’d like to share a good Essex story, I’d love to hear from you!
THE ROUTE
PART 1: THE ESSEX WAY
(blue line)
Start: Epping
Finish: Harwich
Distance: ~135km
Dates: 16-22rd April 2025 (8 days)
PART 2: THE ESSEX COAST
(yellow line)
Start: Harwich
Finish: Tilbury
Distance: ~265km
Dates: 3rd-15th May 2025 (13 days)
Please note that dates and locations may change. For an up-to-date route with greater detail, please see this map.
