Location: 

Colchester

Operator

Guide East

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Experience in style with your own Blue Badge Guide together with private licensed driver and luxury vehicle and follow the trail of the Mayflower in 17^th Century Essex uncovering along the way the story of the Captain, the pilgrims and a witch–hunt!

Immerse yourself in exceptional Essex and discover its connection with the Mayflower ship from a seafaring town, to the biggest witch hunt in England, to life in a quintessential village in the heart of Constable Country.

From your meeting point we travel to Harwich for a guided tour of the East Coast port famous for its association with the Mayflower.  It is believed the ship was built here, and it is known that the Captain, Christopher Jones, lived and married here.  Your Guide will show you historic Harwich and you can get a feel of life here in the early 17^th Century. 

Your tour will then transport you along the Stour Valley to the reign of terror that happened in the middle of the 17^th Century, as Matthew Hopkins, self-styled Witchfinder General began his hunt for ‘witches’.  It all started in this part of Essex and you will see Mistley and Manningtree famous for their connections with Hopkins.  Hear tales of the techniques he used to discover witches (which were even used at the American witch trials in Salem) and hear how many people ended up being hanged in this country for the crime of allegedly being a ‘witch’. 

Finish in Dedham a beautiful town on the banks of the River Stour, renowned for its connections to the artist John Constable, but also the former home of some of the 17^th Century adventurers who travelled to the New Worlds with the pilgrims and pioneers. 

The Highlights:  

• Personal guided tour visiting a beautiful area of Essex with licensed driver and vehicle
• Visit Harwich and see the former home of the Captain of the Mayflower
• Hear tales of the biggest Witch Hunt in England
• Picturesque Dedham in the heart of Constable Country
• See where John Constable went to school
• Hear about the Sherman family and their famous American descendants

Customisable Options:

• Take an optional extra to travel further into Constable Country to discover more places associated with John Constable.  (Price on application)

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Price

£350 for up to 3 guests. 

Price on application for groups up to 6.

Group Size

Min.1 max 3

Contact

Claire Partner and Ian Baalham

www.guideeast.co.uk
07989 740343 or 07740 090960
Info@guideeast.co.uk