AN unofficial procession to remember the victims of Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins who were hanged in Manningtree is being held.
More than 300 women are believed to have been executed for witchcraft between 1644 and 1646, many at the hands of Hopkins.
He is thought to have lived at what is now the Mistley Thorn and held preliminary examinations of those accused of witchcraft at the White Hart, in Manningtree.
To pay tribute to his victims, members of the community have arranged a march on Sunday, August 4.
It will start outside the Red Lion, in South Street at 2pm and end at Manningtree beach.
Lynne Robinson,organiser, said: “It is to remember the four hangings which took place in Manningtree in 1645 on August 1 of Helen Clarke of Manningtree, Anne West of Lawford, Anne Cooper of Great Clacton, and Marion Hocket of Ramsey.
She added: “The town is beginning to learn about its famous history and remember those harsh times.”
If successful, Lynne hopes to make the procession and annual event.
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