The A-Z of Curious Essex (Strange Stories of Mysteries, Crimes and Eccentrics)

'Curious' is perhaps not the first word you would use to label Essex. But 'curiouser and curiouser' it becomes when you dig below the surface. Meet larger-than-life characters, including the one-time fattest man in England whose waist was wider than the height of an average man. And talking of big, discover the origin of Humpty Dumpty. Did you know that explorer David Livingstone, who trekked across Africa, got lost in Essex; that the Essex villain Dick Turpin was only identified because a relative refused to pay the cost of a 'stamp', or that St George saw off his dragon here? Surprising and bizarre tales abound if you dig a little deeper. And if you literally look below the surface in Essex, you'll discover one of the most incredible Government 'secrets' of all time.