How much do you know about Essex? Beyond reality TV and tabloid stereotypes, the ancient East Saxon Kingdom is a mystery to most of the country. But storyteller James Lawrence believes there are only two ways to really know a place: with its stories, and with your feet. So in 2025, James Lawrence set out on a 400km adventure to discover the stories of his home county like never before. Over 21 days of walking and camping around Essex, he found a lot more than tired media stereotypes.
In this lecture, James will share some of his surprising findings from his epic adventure. He will share stories that explain how Essex is the fascinating county it is today: with important answers to the existential questions facing the future of both the county and the country.
Travelling through the landscape
Sharing stories with the public. Photo credit: Paul Bates and Gabrielle Milanese
Tell me a story
Bluebell wood
Travelling through the landscape
Travelling through the landscape
Speaker
James Lawrence
Out & About Archaeology
This talk is part of the CBA's Out & About Archaeology event, which takes place from Monday 18th to Sunday 24th May 2026. To find out more about Out & About Archaeology and other events and activities you can enjoy, click on the button below:
