Essex Ghost Stories

Set across the historic county of Essex, this collection brings together tales linked to places, legends and episodes from the county’s past. Its subjects include restless Vikings haunting former sparring grounds, a Canvey Island countryman searching for his horse and cart, and the haunted portrait of ‘Cunning’ Murrell, described as England’s last witch doctor.

Hallmann also recounts stories of a runaway funeral carriage, Harwich smugglers, wartime encounters, murders, storm-bound ferrymen and abandoned wrecks. The book blends historical fact, reported ghost sightings and imaginary events, treating its material as folklore and storytelling rather than proof of the supernatural. Charcoal drawings and the author’s landscape photography add a visual dimension to these Essex accounts.