ERO Presents: Henry Winstanley (1644-1703)
Join speaker Martin Rose for this talk about Henry Winstanley, a native of Saffron Walden, a linen-draper and farmer.
Henry was also an engineer, famous above all for his lighthouse on the Eddystone Reef.
A good many myths and spurious stories have grown up about him and he has acquired an undeserved reputation as a buffoon and flippant practical joker.
His absurdly dramatic death on the Eddystone in 1703 sealed his odd and fanciful reputation.
This talk will examine Winstanley’s life and work and unravel some of the sillier stories told about him, and it will put in their place the more coherent and impressive story of a provincial polymath with an astonishing skillset, a fine library and an impressive portfolio of work.
Event details
Explore Essex
Search our parks and places to plan your perfect day out
Need to know
Explorer Pass
Save money with your Explorer Pass
Our annual Explore Essex Pass will give you and your family the freedom to explore some of the incredible places and green spaces that Essex has to offer, as many times as you like throughout the year, with free parking at seven country parks, 2 or 1 on Sky Ropes, priority booking on specific events, and 10% discounts at many cafes and visitor centres.
Related events
Essex Record Office: Archive Explorers Club
Come along to our free stay and play session for parents, carers and under-fives for an opportunity to meet other parents, enjoy a hot drink, and look through a selection of historic records.
- Dates:
- July 16, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm
- For under 5s
- Price: Free
ERO Presents Special: Growing Old and Facing Poverty in Eighteenth-Century Essex
Join speaker Dr. Susannah R. Ottaway for this talk about changing attitudes towards ageing and shifting methods of poor relief.
- Dates: July 16, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £6.75
ERO Presents: The life and work of J.A. Baker (1926-1987)
Join speaker Dr Sarah Demelo for this talk about the life and work of J.A. Baker, the author of The Peregrine.
- Dates: July 28, 2026
- Venue: Essex Record Office
- Times: 10:30am - 12:00pm
- For adults
- Price: £6.75