Enchanting immersive heritage trail launches in Tendring

Walton Tendring Witch Heritage Trail TDC April 25
Tendring Witch Heritage Trail – Location Walton.

Tendring District Council (TDC) has launched a new immersive storytelling experience in Manningtree, St Osyth, Harwich and Walton-on-the-Naze.

Stories of the Tendring Hundred communities affected by the Essex witch trials have been brought to life for the first time through augmented reality – accessed by smart phone – to offer visitors of all ages a living history experience.

Unique wooden benches and information boards that reflect each location’s history have been installed, with additional historic information available on the Essex Sunshine Coast website.

Alison Rowlands, Professor of European History at the University of Essex, has been instrumental to ensure the stories of those impacted by the witch trails are told authentically and resonate in today’s society.

She said: “It is wonderful to see the months of hard work coming to fruition.

“I’m thrilled to see the finished results in their local settings and hope many other people from our region will be inspired to visit them.”

Gary Scott, TDC Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Heritage was thrilled to see the trail unveiled.

“The Tendring Witch Heritage Trail is an immersive journey through our district’s past,” he said.

“It not only preserves our past, but it brings to life the rich stories that have shaped our history.

“The trail also commemorates the lives of the Tendring communities that were brutally persecuted for witchcraft in the 16th and 17th Centuries.

“The sculpted benches are absolutely charming, and the augmented reality experience offers another dimension that will fascinate visitors and residents alike.

“Promoting our heritage, attracting visitors and encouraging them to stay longer is a core part of Our Vision, the council’s corporate plan.”

The trail was made possible thanks to £49,385 of funding from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).

The hunt is on for Tendring’s most beloved heritage sites and historic buildings

The hunt is on to find the most beloved heritage sites and historic buildings in Tendring.

Tendring District Council (TDC) has launched a ‘Call for Heritage Sites’ as part of a six-month public consultation starting today [Monday, 2 December].

It comes after the council’s Cabinet adopted criteria for a Local Heritage List earlier this year.

It will help the council to create a list of sites that are important to local people, but do not necessarily meet the specifications to be listed as officially designated heritage assets.

Andy Baker, TDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, stated: “The Local Heritage List offers a unique chance for the community and the council to collaborate in identifying heritage assets that are cherished and distinctive elements of our local historic environment.

“Non-designated heritage assets include buildings, monuments, sites, places, areas, or landscapes that possess heritage significance worthy of consideration in planning decisions, even though they do not meet the criteria for designated heritage assets.

“For instance, war memorials or other structures of local significance can be nominated for inclusion on the Local List.

“As part of Our Vision, the council’s corporate plan, promoting our heritage – which in turn attracts visitors and encourages them to stay longer – is integral to everything we do.”

To submit a site for consideration, complete a Nomination Form and email it to locallist@tendringdc.gov.uk or post to: Planning Policy, Tendring District Council, Town Hall, Station Road, Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 1SE.

The criteria against which non-designated heritage assets will be assessed can be found online at Criteria for non-designated assets.

For more information about the consultation, which runs until 2 June 2025, go to tendringdc.gov.uk/content/preparation-of-a-local-list.