A fascinating chapter in the history of north Essex has been uncovered by a determined historian.

John Ashdown-Hill will be presenting a story of religion, royalty, intrigue and executions, in a talk at All Saints' Church, Dovercourt on Thursday at 7.45pm.

During his PhD studies at the University of Essex on the life of John Howard - the first Duke of Norfolk - Mr Hill was gripped by a mention in his accounts of the shrine of the Holy Rood of Dovercourt.

By reading the Duke's records, Mr Hill discovered that the shrine in Dovercourt Church attracted flocks of pilgrims in the 15th century.

The Holy Rood was a huge wooden crucifix on top of the screen leading to the church chancel. It acquired a miraculous reputation, and was even said to have spoken on some occasions.

But he said: "Three young men from Dedham and one from East Bergholt, possibly martyrs for the protestant cause, took down the Holy Rood and burnt it."

Three of the men were later hanged - one in Dovercourt, one in Dedham and one in Cattawade.