Essex Cunning Men – Talk & Book Launch

The practices of the Essex cunning men shaped much of what we know today as 'traditional witchcraft', influencing figures like Robert Cochrane and Andrew D. Chumbley.

In this talk, longstanding occult practitioner Richard Ward joins Christina on the Treadwell's sofa to discuss the colourful history of the Essex cunning men (service-magicians consulted by their local communities). In particular, he focuses folk magic practices including as well as tales of graveyard rites, encounters with the Devil and diabolical spirit workings. He also introduces 'Old George Pickingill' and 'Cunning Murrell' – two figures with legendary status and even purported 'downlines'. Expect to hear plenty of history,

This event celebrates the launch of Richard's seminal book, Betwixt God and the Devil: Inquiries into Essex Magic from the Sixteenth Century to the Present Day. After the talk, we'll host a soirée with complimentary drinks, where guests will have the chance to chat with the…