The Witchfinder General

Against the background of the English Civil War, the self-styled ‘Witchfinder General’ Matthew Hopkins terrorised East Anglia from 1644 to 1647 in his supposed quest to root out witchcraft, lining his pockets nicely in the process. The background of the English Civil War meant that that the country was already divided by religious and political tensions, but Hopkins worked within the legal framework, with the support of magistrates and local authorities.

Hundreds of people (mostly, but by no means all of them, women) were accused of witchcraft by their neighbours and then examined by Hopkins and his associates. Many were tried and executed, but many others died in prison without ever coming to trial. Hopkins himself wrote an account of his activities and methods, as did his associate John Stearne. This presentation is therefore based in part on Hopkins’ own words, as well as other contemporary accounts. Come and hear this first-hand account of one of England’s darkest times, and learn more about the man behind the title of the Witchfinder General.

Please note, this is not suitable for under-16s.

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