Until 1965, Wanstead was truly a part of Essex, and even now there are tell-tale signs all around us of a time before it became part of a London borough. In the 1980s, though, Essex became the stuff of tabloid headlines, supposed stereotypes and populist politics. Author Tim Burrows, in his book The Invention of Essex, says it is still regarded as the heartland of Thatcherism and Brexit but nevertheless is the place where England is most itself. Where it goes, the rest of the country follows. He will be in conversation with celebrated local historian and psychogeographer (and star of the Wanstead Fringe in 2022 and 2014) John Rogers.