Manningtree
Manningtree is a small market town in Essex, on the River Stour and 8 miles from Colchester. It stands on the edge of Constable Country.
It is sometimes claimed to be the smallest town in England.
It was a busy port at the head of the Stour estuary, until the railway took away most of this business.
The Strand, betwen Manningtree and neighbouring Mistley, attracts great numbers of swans.
Matthew Hopkins, the notorious 17th century Witchfinder General, was born in Manningtree and is buried here.
In Shakespeare's "Henry IV Part One", Prince Hal describes Falsfaff as "that roasted Manningtree ox with a pudding in his belly."
Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Manningtree for groups.