Journey 6
Daniel Defoe
Northey Island
Why might hunting here have been fatal in Defoe’s day?
Crossing a tidal causeway takes Nick to Northey Island, a peaceful spot Defoe described as well known to ‘London men of pleasure’. They came to shoot mallard, duck, widgeon and teal.
Although plentiful in wildfowl, the area had a sting in its tail. Like much of Britain at the time, malaria
was prevalent. Defoe calls it the ‘Essex ague’, and adds it to the list of reasons he gave
against growing too fond of sport and idle pleasures.
Defoe was often full of such advice for those in business: don’t marry too young, play close attention to book-keeping, choose associates wisely…
Any tradesmen reading Defoe’s Tour would have been left in little doubt that a visit to this part of East Anglia would lead to malaria and death. Far better to stay in the shop.