Rylan Clark and Prof. Alice Roberts Uncover Essex’s Dark Witch Trial Legacy in Gripping Sky History Series

In a compelling new three-part documentary series on Sky History, TV presenter and Essex native Rylan Clark teams up with renowned anthropologist Professor Alice Roberts to delve into one of the most harrowing chapters of British history: the Essex witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries. Titled Witches of Essex, the show premiered in October 2025 and has since captivated audiences with its blend of historical investigation, expert analysis, and emotional storytelling.

The series reframes these infamous events as “cold cases,” examining specific trials where hundreds of women—often poor, elderly, or marginalized—were accused of witchcraft, tried, and executed by hanging. Essex, once dubbed “witchcraft ground zero” by Rylan himself, saw intense persecution driven by paranoia, religious fervor, social tensions, and influential figures like the self-appointed Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins.

Each 43-minute episode focuses on a pivotal trial, using original court records, archival research, psychological insights, and medical expertise to reconstruct the lives of the accused and the forces that condemned them. The duo opens an “incident room” to piece together evidence, visiting haunted sites, interviewing historians, and even meeting modern practitioners to explore lingering superstitions.

The first episode centers on the 1566 Chelmsford trial in Hatfield Peveril, one of England’s earliest recorded witch hunts. It follows the tragic case of Agnes Waterhouse and her family—poor women accused of using dark magic after neighborhood disputes. Rylan and Alice explore how accusations escalated from petty grudges to death sentences amid Elizabethan fears of the supernatural.

Subsequent episodes tackle the 1582 St Osyth trial, where a fallout between friends fueled witchcraft claims encouraged by local magistrates, and the notorious 1645 Manningtree hunt led by Hopkins, who executed dozens in a frenzy of state-sanctioned violence. Viewers are taken to real locations, including England’s most haunted jails and ancient villages, where atmospheric recreations bring the era’s terror to life.

Rylan, known for his X Factor fame and light-hearted presenting style, brings personal passion as an Essex resident fascinated by the supernatural. He describes the discoveries as “harrowing,” noting how local stories influenced even the Salem witch trials in America. Professor Alice Roberts provides rigorous anthropological context, labeling the persecutions as “state-sponsored violence against women” and highlighting misogyny, poverty, and power dynamics.

The series features dramatic reenactments, expert commentary from historians and psychologists, and moments of reflection on modern parallels—how fear, misinformation, and scapegoating persist today. One poignant line from the show: “It was murder… pure, brutal murder of the vulnerable,” underscoring the injustice faced by the accused.

Critics have praised the unlikely pairing: Rylan’s approachable curiosity complements Roberts’ academic depth, making complex history accessible and moving. Reviews call it “unfailingly moving” and a thoughtful reminder of humanity’s capacity for hysteria.

Available on Sky History, NOW, and platforms like Apple TV and Prime Video, Witches of Essex has sparked renewed interest in Britain’s witch-hunt legacy. It challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths: how superstition and authority combined to destroy innocent lives, and why such echoes demand vigilance in the present.

As Rylan and Alice conclude their investigation, the series leaves a haunting message—history isn’t just the past; it’s a mirror to our fears. With its rich detail and emotional resonance, this documentary stands as both a tribute to the wronged and a call for empathy across centuries.

Rylan Clark and Professor Alice Roberts on location in Essex, exploring historic sites tied to the witch trials.

A dramatic reenactment from the series depicting an accused woman during a 17th-century trial.

Professor Alice Roberts examining archival documents in the show’s incident room setup.

Rylan Clark visiting a historic Essex jail associated with witch trial prisoners, evoking the era’s grim atmosphere.

The duo in discussion amid ancient Essex landscapes, reflecting on the trials’ lasting impact.