Reclaiming ‘Witch’

While I was studying at the University of Exeter, I discovered that it was the last place in England where girls and women were publicly hanged for witchcraft. It was a poignant reminder of the enduring historical anxiety surrounding female power and autonomy, and...

Girl Witches: Strong, Fearless, Magical

Junior Girls Megan and Josie provide us a glimpse into the many portrayals of girl witches in literature, TV and Movies from around the world, many of whom embody strength, intelligence and bravery in the face of adversity.

Witchcraft Trials through the Ages: Great Britain

We recently heard the story of the Pendle Witches from Lancashire (UK) and read about how girls were subjected to “witch tests” so as to determine their crimes. It was whilst digging deeper that stories from all over Great...

Witchcraft: a brief history

As Halloween nears we see the familiar images of evil witches with pointed hats and green skin everywhere. Society, though, has not always been so light-hearted towards the idea witchcraft and magic. Witchcraft became a crime in most countries from about 1450...

The Pendle Witches

When most people think of a notorious witch trial, their minds automatically go to Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. However, the title of the most influential trial in the 17th century goes to the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612. Twelve people were accused of witchcraft....

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