Politics Fuels Growing Interest in Witchcraft History

Interest in the history of witchcraft and witch hunts is rising as political intolerance and divisions increase. Stories about women persecuted in the 17th century by Matthew Hopkins, who called himself the “Witchfinder General,” are now popular on ghost tours and heritage trails across the East of England.

Matthew Hopkins was active between 1645 and 1647. During that time, he accused many people of witchcraft in Essex, East Anglia, and the Midlands. Around 200 people were executed because of his actions, and hundreds more were imprisoned or had their lives destroyed.

This renewed interest in witchcraft history is connected to modern times, where political figures often use the term “witch-hunt” to describe accusations and conflicts. The use of this phrase has drawn attention back to the real witch hunts of the past.

Ghost tours featuring stories of witches take place in towns like Norwich, Colchester, Cambridge, and Bury St Edmunds. One popular tour in King’s Lynn covers local ghost stories and legends with stops that tell about witches such as Mary Smith.

Mary Smith was a glovemaker’s wife who was said to have made a pact with the devil to gain power. She allegedly cursed a sailor who harmed her son, causing him serious harm, and accused others of wrongdoing. She was later condemned as a witch and burned at the stake. According to legend, her heart jumped from her chest at the moment of death and lies beneath a carved heart shape on a nearby building.

Many accusations of witchcraft in history were based on fear, suspicion, or personal conflicts within communities. Some people may have believed in magical powers, while others were innocent victims of false claims.