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.
England was already divided by deep religious and political tensions, but Hopkins did not operate outside the law. He worked within the existing legal framework, with the support of magistrates and local authorities.
Hundreds of people – mostly, but by no means all, women – were accused of witchcraft by their neighbours and subsequently examined by Hopkins and his associates. Many were tried and executed, while 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 therefore draws in part on Hopkins’ own words, alongside other contemporary accounts.
Come and hear the story of one of the darkest episodes in England’s history, told through the words of those who were there, and discover more about the man behind the title of ‘Witchfinder General’.
Please note: this presentation is not suitable for under-16s.