The fascinating story of one of England’s darketst periods which includes the trials for witchcraft in this area. Our speaker is Andrew Pickering, Senior lecturer in History and Archaeology at Strode College and Programme Manager for local University of Plymouth students reading History and Archaeology. Together with David Pickering he has just completed a book, Witch-Hunting in England.
With its local focus and relevance to students likely to go on to Strode College this should be a lecture that will attract a lot of interest.
27th May, Friday in the Balsam Centre 7.30 pm. £6 for adults – special rate to be decided for school students, refreshments included.


Andrew Pickering’s Talk
Tue May 31, 2011, 19:25:57
Andrew went on to tell us how in England between 1562 and 1685 between 500 and 1000 women were executed for witchcraft. These numbers were small compared to the executions carried out in Europe, particularly in Bavaria, Franconia and Alsace-Lorraine.
While there was never a case of a witch being accused in Wincanton, both Stoke Trister and Brewham produced cases.
Overwhelmingly it was women who were picked on, usually old maids or widows, some with odd habits or as we would say “Mental Health issues.” Others could find themselves picked on by family enemies or people who might have an eye on their homes or their land. The move from Catholicism to Protestantism also made many people uncertain and fearful. Add to this the massacre and mayhem suffered across the country by the Civil War which raged between 1642 and 1648.
Andrew brought the whole period vividly to life and his talk stimulated the large and attentive audience to ask a good number of interesting questions. In all it was an excellent evening.
John Baxter
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