Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Unexpected Essex
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 5 - The Highwayman | 27 Sep 2026 | 00:42:04 | |
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 small village in the north west of Essex. Initially working as a butcher, it isn't long before he's drawn into a shady world of poaching, robbery, and even murder.
Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:17 The Concept of the Highwayman 04:13 The Origin of Dick Turpin 07:25 The Gregory Gang a.k.a The Essex Gang 21:36 Turpin on the Run 26:53 A Fateful Letter 29:15 The Trial 31:02 Execution 34:25 The Legend Begins 38:52 The Myth of the Highwayman in the 20th Century 40:44 Introducing the Turpin Tally 41:19 Thanks for Listening! 41:48 Credits
Key Names and Places Dick Turpin, Hempstead, Epping Forest, York, London, Thaxted, Waltham Forest, Lincolnshire Show Notes and Image Attribution Click here. Socials and Subscribe Links: YouTube: Unexpected Essex Instagram: @unexpectedessex2026 TikTok: @unexpectedessex Facebook: Unexpected Essex Website: www.unexpectedessex.co.uk Contact: unexpectedessex@gmail.com DISCLAIMER: While I do my best to bring you accurate, well-researched content, I’m only human! If you spot a mistake, have a correction, or want to share additional context, please feel free to reach out via email at unexpectedessex@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 4 - Turning the Tide | 27 Sep 2026 | 00:18:44 | |
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 solutions to flooding that can found through the restoration of saltmarshes and the reintroduction of native species. Time Stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:28 Essex's Ecosystem 01:28 Abbotts Hall Farm 04:51 Wallasea Island 13:02 Spains Hall 17:06 Conclusion and ways you can help 18:20 Thanks for listening and credits Show Notes and Image Attribution: Click here. Key Names and Places: Abbotts Hall Farm, Great Wigborough, Wallasea Island, Finchingfield, Spains Hall, Ealing. Socials and Subscribe Links: YouTube: Unexpected Essex Instagram: @unexpectedessex2026 TikTok: @unexpectedessex Facebook: Unexpected Essex Page Website: www.unexpectedessex.co.uk Contact: unexpectedessex@gmail.com DISCLAIMER This episode is not sponsored by any of the organisations discussed, though Eri Berry is a member of the Essex Wildlife Trust. While I do my best to bring you accurate, well-researched content, I’m only human! If you spot a mistake, have a correction, or want to share additional context, please feel free to reach out via email at unexpectedessex@gmail.com. | |||
| Episode 3 - Villeins Ye Are... | 27 Sep 2026 | 00:41:18 | |
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. In this episode, Eri traces the origins of the rebellion and explore the pivotal role played by the people of Essex, who fired the very first sparks of revolt and marched alongside Wat Tyler to demand fundamental change from the young King Richard II. Time Stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:26 Life as a Peasant 02:23 How Essex is involved 03:15 The Feudal System 07:39 The London Social Hierarchy 07:59 The Impact of the Plague 08:57 Some questionable legislation 14:13 Poll Tax 18:10 The Great Rumour and attempted tax collection 20:26 Meanwhile in Kent… 22:35 John Ball 25:57 Richard meets the Rebels 27:22 The Flemish Weavers 32:13 The Rebels' Demands 33:07 Meanwhile in the Tower of London… 35:28 The Death of Wat Tyler 37:10 Rebellions elsewhere quashed 38:35 The legacy of the Peasants' Revolt 40:38 Thanks for listening! 41:00 Credits Key Names and Places: King Richard II, John of Gaunt, Thomas Baker, John Ball, Wat Tyler, Essex, Fobbing, Brentwood, Colchester, London, Tower of London, Canterbury, St. Albans Show Notes and Attribution: Please click here. DISCLAIMER While I do my best to bring you accurate, well-researched content, I’m only human! If you spot a mistake, have a correction, or want to share additional context, please feel free to reach out via email at unexpectedessex@gmail.com. Socials and Subscribe Links: YouTube: Unexpected Essex Instagram: @unexpectedessex2026 TikTok: @unexpectedessex Facebook: Unexpected Essex Facebook Page Website: www.unexpectedessex.co.uk Contact: unexpectedessex@gmail.com | |||
| Episode 2 - By Their Fruits Shall Ye Know Them - The Jam Makers of Essex | 27 Sep 2026 | 00:19:40 | |
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 some toast or a scone, and enjoy! With special thanks to Wilkin & Sons Ltd for kindly granting permission to use some of their images for the video! Time Stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:05 Tiptree's Origin 02:13 John Mechi 03:08 Arthur Charles Wilkin 04:26 The beginning of the jam 07:10 Charles John Wilkin 09:05 The First World War 10:26 Queen Mary's Dolls House 12:10 The Second World War 15:20 The Centenary 16:13 The 1990s and 2000s 18:00 Conclusion 19:04 Thanks for listening and end credits Key Names/Places: Tiptree Jam, Wilkin & Sons Ltd., Tiptree, Essex
Attribution: For Show Notes and Image Attribution click here. https://www.rct.uk/collection/stories/queen-marys-dolls-house/queen-marys-dolls-house/cellar-kitchen-and-pantry - link to the pictures of Queen Mary's Dolls House referenced in the episode. DISCLAIMER: This episode was not sponsored by Wilkin & Sons Ltd. This is a passion project, and is not affiliated with them in any way. While I do my best to bring you accurate, well-researched content, I’m only human! If you spot a mistake, have a correction, or want to share additional context, please feel free to reach out via email at unexpectedessex@gmail.com. Socials and Subscribe Links: YouTube: Unexpected Essex Instagram: @unexpectedessex2026 TikTok: @unexpectedessex Facebook: Unexpected Essex Page Website: www.unexpectedessex.co.uk Contact: unexpectedessex@gmail.com | |||
| Episode 1 - The Lighthouse Builder | 27 Sep 2026 | 00:24:18 | |
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 chance meeting with a wealthy London businessman leads to him building his most ambitious project which sadly costs him his life. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:20 Why Essex? 01:26 A misleading poem… 02:48 Winstanley’s early life 06:18 After the gap year 07:47 The house in Littlebury 10:13 Why build a lighthouse? 12:07 How hard can it be? 13:58 How was this funded? 16:03 What did the lighthouse look like? 19:26 The Great Storm of 1703 21:52 The later lighthouses 22:47 Conclusion 23:32 Thanks for listening! 24:00 Credits For Show Notes and Image Attributions, click here. Key Names/Places/Dates Henry Winstanley, The Lighthouse Builder, 1703, The Great Storm, Plymouth, Saffron Walden, Littlebury, Essex, local history. DISCLAIMER While I do my best to bring you accurate, well-researched content, I’m only human! If you spot a mistake, have a correction, or want to share additional context, please feel free to reach out via email at unexpectedessex@gmail.com. Socials and Subscribe Links: YouTube: Unexpected Essex Instagram: @unexpectedessex2026 TikTok: @unexpectedessex Facebook: Unexpected Essex Page Website: www.unexpectedessex.co.uk Contact: unexpectedessex@gmail.com | |||