By On 1 June 1682, a woman called Jane Kent found herself in the dock of the Old Bailey in London accused of witchcraft. The charge was a serious one, for amongst other things, she was accused of causing the death of a five-year-old girl by diabolic means. The charges stemmed
By Mary Hicks Witch of Huntingdon
On 28 July 1716 the Huntingdon assizes condemned Mary Hicks for witchcraft. According to the published narrative of her case, Mary lived in Huntingdon with her husband Edward and their 9-year-old daughter Elizabeth. Elizabeth was apparently the ‘Aple of his Eye’. This picture of domestic happiness shattered when Mary became
Frances’ Frigidity
A guest blog post by Dr Shona McIntosh Frances Howard’s marriage to the Earl of Essex is one of the most famous instances of marital dysfunction in the early modern period. Ballad-makers enthusiastically commented on the ‘strange frigidity’ which was detailed in Frances’s petition for annulment in 1613. The judges
Review: Jane Wenham the Witch of Walkern
On Saturday 3 October I went to the Watford Palace Theater to see Jane Wenham the Witch of Walkern, written by Rebecca Lenkeiwicz. I had several reasons for watching the play. As part of my teaching this year we will be discussing the issues raised in the play. Also one
New Year’s Reflection
Happy New Year everyone! Before we kick off with the posts for 2015, here is a look back at last years most popular posts of the last year 5. Just sneaking into the top five is a post all about the wondrous healing virtues of chocolate. As well as enhancing