A Rochford man, James Murrell was a London chemist's assistant in the early nineteenth century. Wanting to further his career, he also began working as a shoemaker in Hadleigh. It was here that his fortunes began to change. As local people chatted to him while he mended their shoes, they realised that James was incredibly intelligent and carried great insights into people's lives. Soon, townspeople began to visit James for his advice and help. He charged a penny each for his various potions and tinctures, that were mostly made from herbs. Soon, his reputation grew far beyond the reach of Hadleigh and Cunning Murrell (for that is what he became known by) soon received sacks of letters from all over the land. People would ask him for advice on a large number of things from medical questions to spiritual emergencies. Cunning Murrell seemed to always know the right thing to say or do which helped everyone feel better. Perhaps his most famous attribute is that people would come to him to help recover lost items. Cunning Murrell often located lost belongings, including money, simply by talking to their rightful owner. Some people accused him of devilry and witchcraft, as Cunning Murrell always seemed to be able to resolve problems of this nature. He is reported to have replied with "I am the Devil's master" when ever accused of working for him.
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Fantastic Britain: Myths And LegendsWritten by Rowan Blair Colver Categories
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