Samhain, otherwise know as All Hallows Eve and most commonly Halloween, is
one of the biggest festivals in the witches’ calendar, it marks the end of the
Celtic old year and the start of the new. It is on this night that the veil between
the world of the living and that of the dead is at it’s thinnest, allowing the souls
of the departed to cross over. It is also the time that witches gather together
to celebrate one of their biggest sabbats. In medieval time on nights like this
when witches were believed to be about, church bells would be rung to stop
them flying over the villages and towns; all of the inhabitants would come out
into the streets armed with hand bells, old pots and pans, anything that would
add to the noise. It was believed that the noise of the bells ringing in the night
would cause the witch to fall off her broomstick and fall to the ground.
Celtic old year and the start of the new. It is on this night that the veil between
the world of the living and that of the dead is at it’s thinnest, allowing the souls
of the departed to cross over. It is also the time that witches gather together
to celebrate one of their biggest sabbats. In medieval time on nights like this
when witches were believed to be about, church bells would be rung to stop
them flying over the villages and towns; all of the inhabitants would come out
into the streets armed with hand bells, old pots and pans, anything that would
add to the noise. It was believed that the noise of the bells ringing in the night
would cause the witch to fall off her broomstick and fall to the ground.
Belief in witchcraft was widespread throughout the county and according to an
historical document written in 1681 Somerset was awash with witches; one
could almost imagine the night skies filled with flying hags!
Joseph Glanvil, a demonologist and clergyman living in Frome, gives a detailed
account in his Sadducismus Triumphatus of the two great covens, one at Brewham
and the other at Wincanton, situated just miles from Glastonbury, which was and
still is the ancient seat of Pagan forces.
could almost imagine the night skies filled with flying hags!
Joseph Glanvil, a demonologist and clergyman living in Frome, gives a detailed
account in his Sadducismus Triumphatus of the two great covens, one at Brewham
and the other at Wincanton, situated just miles from Glastonbury, which was and
still is the ancient seat of Pagan forces.
As well as the ringing and wearing of bells the people of Somerset took other steps
to protect themselves against witchcraft as the many artifacts found will testify.
A number of witch bottles have been discovered hidden in old buildings, these
were a favourite tool to counter any evil spells. Anybody thinking they had
been bewitched would fill the bottle with pins, their urine and nail clippings
and then hide it somewhere, usually beneath the front doorstep or the fireplace.
Bullocks hearts stuffed with pins were placed in chimneys to stop entry by a witch;
horseshoes, often seen over doorways,were placed there to break the spell of an
evil wisher and even animals, usually cats, were crucified in the roof space of
houses. But the simplest witch deterrent was urine, it was sprinkled over the
doorstep to prevent entry and in some cases sprinkled over people to prevent
bewitchment.
Less common was the finding of any witches belongings although an interesting
discovery was made in Wellington in 1878 when workmen broke into a secret
were a favourite tool to counter any evil spells. Anybody thinking they had
been bewitched would fill the bottle with pins, their urine and nail clippings
and then hide it somewhere, usually beneath the front doorstep or the fireplace.
Bullocks hearts stuffed with pins were placed in chimneys to stop entry by a witch;
horseshoes, often seen over doorways,were placed there to break the spell of an
evil wisher and even animals, usually cats, were crucified in the roof space of
houses. But the simplest witch deterrent was urine, it was sprinkled over the
doorstep to prevent entry and in some cases sprinkled over people to prevent
bewitchment.
Less common was the finding of any witches belongings although an interesting
discovery was made in Wellington in 1878 when workmen broke into a secret
room in an old house that was being demolished. Inside they found a Witch’s
Ladder, an armchair and six well used brooms. The ladder, which is now in the
Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, is a long length of knotted cord with feathers
woven into it and would have been used to cast spells, usually a death spell.
Strangely enough the room situated in the roof space was inaccessible from
the main house but according to many, witches were able to fly by anointing
themselves with ointment made of the fat of young babies, hemlock, aconite,
poplar leaves and soot.
Ladder, an armchair and six well used brooms. The ladder, which is now in the
Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, is a long length of knotted cord with feathers
woven into it and would have been used to cast spells, usually a death spell.
Strangely enough the room situated in the roof space was inaccessible from
the main house but according to many, witches were able to fly by anointing
themselves with ointment made of the fat of young babies, hemlock, aconite,
poplar leaves and soot.
It was also a common belief that witches were able to transform themselves by using
a magical spell into ‘familiars’, a toad or frog but most frequently a hare.
“ I shall go into a hare
With sorrow and such and muckle care
And I shall go in the devil’s name
Ay ‘till I come home again”
There is a story of a witch in Wambrook, who having caused much trouble and
strife in the area, was shot by a resident of the village. He spotted a hare running
through the village and believing it was the witch who in the form of her familiar
had been suckling milk from his neighbour’s cow ran to get his gun. His first shot
had no effect so he loaded his gun with silver pennies. With his second shot he hit
the hare. Chasing it back to the old woman’s cottage he found her crouched in the
corner of the room with blood pouring from her leg. There are many tales of old
women transforming themselves to escape pursuit; Black Smock Inn at Stathe was
named after a witch who flew up the chimney and ran off across the moors in the
shape of a hare, although she avoided the flames her clothing got scorched in the
hot chimney. Mother Weller from Milborne Port was another witch who could
transform at will but her favourite form was a toad. Greatly feared in the area she
was known to possess the evil eye. Whole litters of pigs would die, horses would go
lame and cattle would sicken and die; any misfortune that occurred in
strife in the area, was shot by a resident of the village. He spotted a hare running
through the village and believing it was the witch who in the form of her familiar
had been suckling milk from his neighbour’s cow ran to get his gun. His first shot
had no effect so he loaded his gun with silver pennies. With his second shot he hit
the hare. Chasing it back to the old woman’s cottage he found her crouched in the
corner of the room with blood pouring from her leg. There are many tales of old
women transforming themselves to escape pursuit; Black Smock Inn at Stathe was
named after a witch who flew up the chimney and ran off across the moors in the
shape of a hare, although she avoided the flames her clothing got scorched in the
hot chimney. Mother Weller from Milborne Port was another witch who could
transform at will but her favourite form was a toad. Greatly feared in the area she
was known to possess the evil eye. Whole litters of pigs would die, horses would go
lame and cattle would sicken and die; any misfortune that occurred in
the area would be laid at her door. She met her end at the hands of a disgruntled
local farmer, who finding a toad sat in the doorway of her cottage stabbed it with
a fork. Mother Weller was found dead the next morning with stab wounds in her back.
local farmer, who finding a toad sat in the doorway of her cottage stabbed it with
a fork. Mother Weller was found dead the next morning with stab wounds in her back.
The strong belief in the power of ‘overlooking ‘or the evil eye formed the basis
of many of the witch craft trials that swept the country in the 16th and 17th century.
of many of the witch craft trials that swept the country in the 16th and 17th century.
Mathew Hopkins was the most notorious Witch Finder General in Britain but
Somerset had it’s own witch finder; Richard Hunt JP. He personally led a zealous
hunt for eight years, tracking down ‘a hellish knot of witches’ in Somerset and
presided over the many cases of suspected witchcraft brought forward at the
Assizes held in Taunton Castle.
Somerset had it’s own witch finder; Richard Hunt JP. He personally led a zealous
hunt for eight years, tracking down ‘a hellish knot of witches’ in Somerset and
presided over the many cases of suspected witchcraft brought forward at the
Assizes held in Taunton Castle.
Elizabeth Stile, a member of the Wincanton witches, was accused in 1665 of
bewitching Elizabeth Hall into having such severe fits that she was unable to speak.
Stile wildly confessed to having made a pact with the Devil. She was examined in
court by five women, two of which historical records show were professional
witch finders. Known as ‘prickers’ they searched the accused’s body for witches
marks; which would signify that they had been touched by the Devil. Any blemish,
birthmark or spot would be suspect. Once a mark was found it would be pricked
with a bodkin or needle to see if the witch could feel any pain. These people
would travel from town to town to uncover witches for a hefty fee; one ‘pricker’
bewitching Elizabeth Hall into having such severe fits that she was unable to speak.
Stile wildly confessed to having made a pact with the Devil. She was examined in
court by five women, two of which historical records show were professional
witch finders. Known as ‘prickers’ they searched the accused’s body for witches
marks; which would signify that they had been touched by the Devil. Any blemish,
birthmark or spot would be suspect. Once a mark was found it would be pricked
with a bodkin or needle to see if the witch could feel any pain. These people
would travel from town to town to uncover witches for a hefty fee; one ‘pricker’
was reputed to earn 20 shillings for each witch that was uncovered. However they
were not averse to falsifying evidence, some of the bodkins, a sharp instrument
made for punching holes through cloth, and needles they used had hollow
wooden handles and a retractable needle so although it looked as though the
needle had entered the body it had in fact disappeared up into the handle.
On being found guilty Elizabeth Stile was condemned to be hanged but thwarted
her gaolers by dying a day before her sentence was due to be carried out.
were not averse to falsifying evidence, some of the bodkins, a sharp instrument
made for punching holes through cloth, and needles they used had hollow
wooden handles and a retractable needle so although it looked as though the
needle had entered the body it had in fact disappeared up into the handle.
On being found guilty Elizabeth Stile was condemned to be hanged but thwarted
her gaolers by dying a day before her sentence was due to be carried out.
One of the most bizarre case was that of Mary Hill of Beckington, who in 1689
accused Elizabeth Carrier, an elderly women of bewitching her after she began
to have severe fits during which she vomited up a number of strange objects.
Beginning with pins then nails then within a month it progressed to handles of
spoons, lumps of lead, iron, more pins tied up with thread and large nails.
The woman she accused were searched and found to have several witches marks.
After being ‘cross bound,’ her right thumb tied to her left big toe, she was thrown
into the river near the town.
Ducking or ‘swimming the witch’ was another popular method in determining
the guilt of a suspected witch. If she floated after being thrown into deep water
it was a sure sign that she was a witch. Margery Coombes and Ann More, both
elderly woman, were also accused by Mary as she continued to vomit up strange
objects. Elizabeth Carrier died as soon as she was in prison but the other two
were tried at the Assizes and acquitted due to lack of evidence.
accused Elizabeth Carrier, an elderly women of bewitching her after she began
to have severe fits during which she vomited up a number of strange objects.
Beginning with pins then nails then within a month it progressed to handles of
spoons, lumps of lead, iron, more pins tied up with thread and large nails.
The woman she accused were searched and found to have several witches marks.
After being ‘cross bound,’ her right thumb tied to her left big toe, she was thrown
into the river near the town.
Ducking or ‘swimming the witch’ was another popular method in determining
the guilt of a suspected witch. If she floated after being thrown into deep water
it was a sure sign that she was a witch. Margery Coombes and Ann More, both
elderly woman, were also accused by Mary as she continued to vomit up strange
objects. Elizabeth Carrier died as soon as she was in prison but the other two
were tried at the Assizes and acquitted due to lack of evidence.
Authorities were becoming increasingly sceptical of so called evidence but many
maintained that Mary was possessed of a diabolical presence.
But of course the most well known witch in Somerset is the Witch of Wookey.
According to locals the witch had been spurned in love and had retreated to the
cave where she spent her time casting evil spells on the young of the village.
In desperation they appealed to the Abbot of Glastonbury to rid them of the witch
so a monk was dispatched to confront her. On seeing him she tried to flee her
cave but the monk managed to sprinkle her with Holy Water as she rushed past,
as soon as the Holy Water touched her skin the witch turned to stone and there
she remains to this day.
According to locals the witch had been spurned in love and had retreated to the
cave where she spent her time casting evil spells on the young of the village.
In desperation they appealed to the Abbot of Glastonbury to rid them of the witch
so a monk was dispatched to confront her. On seeing him she tried to flee her
cave but the monk managed to sprinkle her with Holy Water as she rushed past,
as soon as the Holy Water touched her skin the witch turned to stone and there
she remains to this day.
Many innocent women were also accused of being witches, the exact amount
executed vary wildly according to different historians. Elderly, single, infirm
or simple, anybody that was outside the mainstream of village life, or even
owning a pet was suspect behaviour.
executed vary wildly according to different historians. Elderly, single, infirm
or simple, anybody that was outside the mainstream of village life, or even
owning a pet was suspect behaviour.
The so called wise women who were proficient in the use of herbs and midwives
also began to fall under suspicion as well but by the late 17th century thanks
to a growing scepticism, the cases of witchcraft began to decrease with the
Witch craft Act being repealed in 1736. The last case in Somerset was that of
Maria Stevens in 1707 who was accused of bewitching Dorothy Reeves, she
was acquitted after the judge and jury failed to believe any of the evidence.
also began to fall under suspicion as well but by the late 17th century thanks
to a growing scepticism, the cases of witchcraft began to decrease with the
Witch craft Act being repealed in 1736. The last case in Somerset was that of
Maria Stevens in 1707 who was accused of bewitching Dorothy Reeves, she
was acquitted after the judge and jury failed to believe any of the evidence.
Contrary to popular opinion witchcraft is still alive and well in Somerset, although
changed somewhat from the image of old, gone are the pointed hats and broomsticks.
The modern day witch is usually a devotee of Wicca; whose practices involves working
in harmony with nature, magic, folk medicine, spiritual healing and shamanism.
The popular Wytches Market held twice yearly in Glastonbury is a testament to
the enduring draw of this ancient and sacred site for all types of pilgrims, pagans,
witches, druids and Christians alike.
The popular Wytches Market held twice yearly in Glastonbury is a testament to
the enduring draw of this ancient and sacred site for all types of pilgrims, pagans,
witches, druids and Christians alike.
Just adding this postscript Feb 2017 as I have been kindly contacted by email with regard to the Elizabeth Stiles mentioned in the above post.
When writing the article I drew on various old documents and 'eyewitness' accounts, however there is always the problem of verifying the facts ( usually impossible due to the length of time that has expired) so it is always interesting to receive another version of events. So Samantha has kindly given me permission to add her comments onto this blog. If, like myself, you are interested in the history of witchcraft I am sure you will find this addition interesting.
"You might like to know that the accused witch Elizabeth Stiles of Bayford was never formally indicted.She was therefore not sentenced and we do not know where she died.There are no records of the trial at the Quarter Sessions and in fact we only have magistrate Robert Hunts word that the preliminary hearing later reported by Joseph Glanville actually took place.The reason for the reports may have been a complex interaction between Hunt and Glanville who were likely to have planned to use them to present to the Royal Society in an effort to bolster failing belief in witchcraft.Both were advocates of Natural Philosophy- which sought to explain magical power in the approaching Age of Enlightenment and scientific rationale."
When writing the article I drew on various old documents and 'eyewitness' accounts, however there is always the problem of verifying the facts ( usually impossible due to the length of time that has expired) so it is always interesting to receive another version of events. So Samantha has kindly given me permission to add her comments onto this blog. If, like myself, you are interested in the history of witchcraft I am sure you will find this addition interesting.
"You might like to know that the accused witch Elizabeth Stiles of Bayford was never formally indicted.She was therefore not sentenced and we do not know where she died.There are no records of the trial at the Quarter Sessions and in fact we only have magistrate Robert Hunts word that the preliminary hearing later reported by Joseph Glanville actually took place.The reason for the reports may have been a complex interaction between Hunt and Glanville who were likely to have planned to use them to present to the Royal Society in an effort to bolster failing belief in witchcraft.Both were advocates of Natural Philosophy- which sought to explain magical power in the approaching Age of Enlightenment and scientific rationale."
Always happy to receive any comments from interested readers
Dear Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading this detailed blog about the history of withcraft in Somerset.
Many thanks
Christopher 😀