Witchcraft
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King James I of England, originally James VI of Scotland, was born on June 19, 1566, to Mary, Queen of Scots, and her second husband, Lord Darnley. He became King of Scotland in 1567 after his mother was forced to abdicate when he was just a year old. Raised under the influence of Protestant regents,…
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The Berwick witch trials, which took place in the late 16th century in Scotland, are one of the most infamous episodes in the history of witch hunts. These trials not only reflect the widespread fear of witchcraft that gripped Europe at the time but also highlight the gendered nature of such accusations, where women were…
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Early 17th century England was a time steeped in religious fervour and deep-seated superstitions, the fear of witchcraft permeated society. It was a period when unexplained misfortunes and tragedies were often attributed to malevolent forces, leading to witch hunts that claimed the lives of many innocent people. Among these tragic stories is that of the…
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It’s been a minute since I’ve delved into the world of witches, and I have to say, I’m thrilled to be back on the broom! There’s something endlessly captivating about the folklore and history surrounding witchcraft, especially the mysterious and enchanting figure of the witch’s familiar. These magical companions are such a rich part of…
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Cerridwen is a prominent figure in Welsh mythology and Celtic traditions, known for her role as a goddess of wisdom and magic. She is particularly famous for her magical cauldron, which symbolizes both transformation and the acquisition of profound knowledge. This cauldron is central to one of the most intriguing tales associated with her. According…
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The Icelandic witch trials were distinctive, with a surprising focus on male practitioners compared to the rest of Europe where women were primarily targeted. One of the most notable cases in Iceland was that of Jón Rögnvaldsson. Jón Rögnvaldsson’s trial took place in 1625 and is one of the most infamous witch trials in Icelandic…
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The link between witches and weasels is a rich element in folklore, reflecting historical beliefs about magic and shape-shifting. Witches in European folklore were believed to transform into weasels to carry out their mischief. Weasels were seen as symbols of cunning and deception, and their association with witchcraft influenced cultural practices and superstitions.
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Molly Leigh, a 17th-century figure from Burslem, Staffordshire, faced persecution due to suspicions of witchcraft. Despite her charitable will and association with respected individuals, she was accused of witchcraft and endured public humiliation and confinement. Her defiance and mysterious death left behind a legend, cautioning against superstition and prejudice.
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In 1817, the Bell family in Adams, Tennessee, experienced unexplainable hauntings by “Kate,” the Bell Witch. The entity targeted John Bell and gained notoriety after Andrew Jackson’s reported encounter. The tale’s historical and human elements, along with its enduring impact on American folklore, continue to captivate audiences.
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The Salem witch trials of 1692 have intrigued historians. Recent investigations propose a link between ergot-contaminated rye and hallucinatory experiences during the trials. Environmental conditions in Massachusetts may have fostered ergot growth. While the hypothesis adds a scientific dimension, skeptics urge caution, noting the influence of social, religious, and cultural factors.
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Sir George McKenzie, a towering figure in 17th-century Scotland, left an indelible mark on history, not only through his legal career but also through his controversial role in the persecution of Covenanters and the mysterious legacy of the McKenzie Poltergeist. In addition to his infamous dealings with Covenanters, McKenzie’s name is also connected to the…
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“For the most part the prosecution brought forth witnesses whose best evidence was idle gossip, false accusations and was for the best part totally inconsistent, for the Pendle Witches however Jennet Device, another of Lizzie’s daughters, granddaughter to Old Demdike and Sister to Alison and James, testified to witnessing her families part in strange practices,…
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There are well over a hundred dried, or mummified, cats on record at present – although there are anecdotal records for probably over ten times that amount. The most common places to find these poor creatures is in walls, under floors and sometimes in roof spaces. read more: Dried Cats – Apotropaios
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A weird witchcraft story published in 1984, recalling an event in 1908. The date, the subject matter and the place, East Anglia, are all quite surprising as are the horses. Don’t really know what to make of this one, though it is fun to read. read more: Horse Whispering Witch – Beachcombing’s Bizarre History Blog
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Archaeologists unearth a 9,000-year-old ritual site in a Swedish cave on an island with a long history of superstition and witchcraft read more: Archaeological discovery in Sweden reveals site of Stone Age rituals | ScienceNordic
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Used as a form of counter magic, they were believed to release the owner from the power of the witch who had “overlooked” them, and were most popular during the 16th and 17th Centuries. read more Latimer’s Library: Breaking the Spell: Witch Bottles.
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In 1709, an old poor woman in Torryburn, Scotland named Lilias Adie confessed to being a witch and having sex with the devil. She died in prison, however, before she could be tried, sentenced and burned at the stake. read more Grave of the Torryburn Witch Uncovered in Scotland.
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A gruesome crime in Clonmel, South Tipperary whose memory lives on in a traditional Irish children’s rhyme ‘are you a witch or are you a fairy / or are you the wife of Michael Cleary’, the burning to death on March 15th 1895 of Bridget Cleary by her husband, father and a gang of helpers…
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Actor-comedian Eddie Izzard has been cast in the pilot of HBO’s new show from Orange Is the New Black creator Jenji Kohan. The show, tentatively titled The Devil You Know, will be a period drama exploring the circumstances of the Salem Witch Trials in 17th century New England. This dark period in America’s history pitted…
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A series of eerie symbols and markings have been discovered under the floorboards of one of Britain’s most important historic houses, scratched into the wood to protect King James I from witches. read more Witchmarks to protect King James I from evil found at Knole – Archaeology – Science – The Independent.
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Many trick-or-treaters will take to the streets in pointy hats and fake bodily warts, but how did real-life accusers spot their targets? read more How to spot a witch: Believers’ methods from the 15th to 18th century – Mirror Online.
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The bottle may have been filled with fingernail clippings, hair, and urine, or pins as a protection from witches. “It’s a fascinating object and part of the history of Newark. If it is a witching bottle, it tells us a great deal about how people once viewed the world,” read more Possible Witch Bottle Found…
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From Shakepeare’s terrifying crones to the Hansel and Gretel sorceress with a taste for cannibalism, witches have long exercised a malevolent hold on the popular imagination. Now the witch is the subject of a new exhibition at the British Museum which runs until January and charts the journey of the wicked enchantress from the medieval…
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With Halloween just around the corner, you don’t have to look far to find the stereotypical image of a witch with her broomstick. Deeply entrenched in the popular consciousness, if you ask anyone, from six to sixty, to name something they associate with a witch, the top answer will likely be a broom. On posters,…
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Mathew Hopkins son of a vicar became known throughout history as the Witch-Finder General, and was responsible for a reign of terror throughout England, between 1644 and 1647, with his fellow Witch-Pricker John Sterne. read more The Witch Finder General | Historical Writings.