Hello! My name is Megan Wright, I am a MA Public History student from Royal Holloway, University of London. My main interests lie within the Early Modern Period, particularly the criminal justice system and its relationship with women. In this blog I want to prove that women were not as submissive and innocent as History has portrayed them to be, disproving the doted ‘angel of the house'; and expose some truly dark and felonious females who have been hidden from history. This blog will be updated monthly, spanning from the mere daylight robbery to the abhorrent serial killer, with the accused often facing the hangman's noose… or perhaps worse… the flames.
Now to the boring bits! This work could not of been done without being inspired by the brilliant minds of academics throughout the ages! If you have been enchanted by any of the topics that have been mentioned please check out the articles below! Sources Black, William George. Folk Medicine: A Chapter in the History … More Bewitching Britain Bibliography
Bibliography Buckman, Robert and Sabbagh, Karl. Magic Or Medicine?: An Investigation of Healing & Healers (London: Macmillan, 1993) p.235 Child, Madge. “Four Leaved Clovers.” In St Nicholas: An Illustrated Magazine for Young Folks, vol.4 (London: Scribner & Company, 1877) p.634 Coolidge, Susan. “The Secret of It,” in Mary Mapes Dodge, St. Nicholas: An Illustrated Magazine … More Bewitching Botany Bibliography
AmuletsAn amulet is an object with magical powers that protects aperson from harm and malefic witchcraft. Common amuletsinclude: gems, stones, shells, coral, jewellery, statues, coins,plants, or even animal parts! The amulet could possess magicfrom cunning-folk, or they could already be spiritually powerfuland blessed by the Gods. Amulets in MotherhoodIn the past, motherhood was dangerous. From … More Amulets
“Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble.” -Shakespeares, Macbeth Potions are magical liquids that can bewitch, poison, heal and create feelings of love or infatuation with someone. In many towns, the apothecary was too expensive for many folk, so instead, they consulted Witches, Cunning-folk and healers that could make potions. These potions … More Potions
Your first question is, no doubt, what is a cunning man or cunning woman? Is it just a description for a crafty, untrustworthy someone? Or is it so much more. Two centuries ago, you would not be asking these questions. Instead, you would know who and where to find such a person in your town … More Cunning-folk
Familiars could have a magazine all to themselves. They are not animals of folklore, myth and legends. Instead, they hold a specific role in identifying witchcraft during the Early Modern Period. A familiar acts as a witches sidekick. They were demons acting out the orders of the Devil. The familiars appeared in the form of … More Familiars
In the Cornish mines, spirits roamed the passageways. Let us start with the Knocker (sometimes called the Bucca or in Shropshire ‘The Old Men’). The Knocker would be heard chipping at the places in the mine where there was the most profitable ore. They would sharpen miners’ tools and bring good fortune to the mines. … More Creatures of the Dark
The Brownie is the perfect household friend. The Brownie was believed to be a household spirit. House owners would leave offerings such as cream, cakes and even porridge by the fire, not as payment but as a recognition of goodwill and respect. In return, Brownies would do household chores and farm tasks; they would also … More Domesticated Beasts
Down in the depths of Britain, there are said to be beasts that haunt the nation, some to this day. Let us start with the Afanc, a Welsh lake monster. Afanc’s are said to have the features of a crocodile, beaver, dwarf, and platypus. Quite hard to imagine! This monster preyed upon those who swam … More Creatures of the Deep
The legend of the Knucker lingers in the village of Lyminster in West Sussex. It is said that if you follow the footpath of Lyminster church to the meadows, you will find a small but deep pool. It is clear and enticing, but don’t be fooled. Its depths are believed to be endless, so much … More Knucker of Lyminster
Bewitching Britain 