Witches, Warriors & 600 Years of Secrets: The Story of Canewdon
High above the Essex countryside, Canewdon’s ancient church tower has watched centuries unfold. From medieval kings and famous battles to wartime lookouts and the village’s legendary six witches, St Nicholas Church is surrounded by fascinating stories, traditions and enduring mysteries.
DID YOU KNOW that St Nicholas Church in #Canewdon has one of the most fascinating collections of history and folklore in Essex.
Much of the present church dates back to the 1300s, with its impressive tower added in the early 1400s. Local tradition says the tower was built by Henry V in thanksgiving for his famous victory at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
Standing high above the surrounding countryside and River Crouch, the tower was used as a navigation point for shipping during the reign of Elizabeth I. During the First World War it was also used as an observation and signalling post.
But Canewdon is perhaps most famous for something rather more mysterious
Witches! An old local legend claims that as long as Canewdon church tower stands, there will always be six witches in the village.
There are also centuries-old traditions linking Canewdon with King Canute, who fought Edmund Ironside at the Battle of Assandun in 1016. The exact location of that battle is still debated, and Canewdon church has even been suggested as a possible site of the minster Canute later ordered to commemorate those who died.
Agincourt, sailors, wartime lookouts, King Canute and witches. Not bad for one little delightful little Village in Rochford!
