The Cambridgeshire Witch Trials: Fear on the Fen Edge

Schedule

Mon, 27 Jul, 2026 at 07:30 pm

UTC+01:00
Location

Willingham Social Club | Cambridge, EN

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Did you know that the horrors of the 17th-century witch hunts happened right on our doorstep?
While Essex had the notorious Matthew Hopkins, Cambridgeshire had its own terrifying witch panic.
Join us as we uncover a dark chapter of our local history.
We will journey back to the 1640s—a time when the English Civil War raged, the Fens were wrapped in isolated mists, and a creeping climate of superstition turned neighbour against neighbour.
In this session, we will explore:
The Shadow of the Witchfinder General: How Matthew Hopkins and John Stearne brought their systematic terror to Cambridgeshire.
Local Victims and Accusations: Hear the tragic real-life stories of accused individuals from nearby villages, including Joan Pigge of Wisbech, Anne Greene of Littleport, and John & Bridget Bonham of Sutton.
The Methods of Interrogation: Discover the disturbing historical reality of 'watching', 'searching', and the infamous water 'swimming' trials.
A Landscape of Paranoia: Why the isolated geography and malarial climate of the Fen edge made our region a hotbed for suspicion.
Whether you are a seasoned history enthusiast or simply curious about the dark secrets of our local fields and streets, this talk is not to be missed!
Find out more at the Old Willingham meeting on Monday the 27th July at 7.30pm in the Social Club £5 cash or card on the door to cover the cost of the room.
Please click “Going” to help us track numbers for seating.
We look forward to seeing you there—if you dare!
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Where is it happening?

Willingham Social Club, Fen End,Willingham, Cambridgeshire, Cambridge, United Kingdom

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