Witchfinder General

The Margery Saga #1

by Ronald Bassett

1643. England is at war with itself.

While bitter battles rage between King and Parliament, local magistrates have more power, and less accountability, than ever before.

Taking advantage of the tense atmosphere and lax prosecution procedures, Matthew Hopkins, an insignificant lawyer and self-appointed Witchfinder General, travels across East Anglia accusing the aged, the confused and the poor of satanic crimes against their neighbours.

With every innocent death, his purse grows heavier, as he satisfies his lust for power.

But his dealings with one particular young woman make him a powerful enemy in the form of Ralph Margery – a captain in Cromwell’s army who is determined to put a stop to Hopkins’ reign of terror.

In this tense and chilling novel Ronald Basset brings to life the nightmarish figure of Matthew Hopkins, a man responsible for the deaths of more than 300 women and who, almost single-handedly, caused more people to be hanged for witchcraft in two years than in the whole of the previous century.

‘Witchfinder General’ is a gripping historical thriller set during the massively tumultuous period of the English Civil War.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Horror, Fiction, Witches, Literature

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1966

About the author

Ronald Leslie Bassett is a British writer and novelist. He wrote numerous works of historical fiction, sometimes under the pseudonym of "William Clive". He received many awards for his medical and pharmaceutical writing.

Reviews

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't normally read horror novels to "celebrate" Halloween. (I don't normally read horror novels, period.) So we'll just let Witchfinder General – which I find to my surprise was originally published in 1966, and inspired a film starring Vincent Price(!) – stand as my token horror for October, and for all the Octobers I have lived through up to now. It may just do for all the Octobers to come, as well. No vampires or extra-terrestrials here, no jump scares - but there are monsters. Human monsters. And serial killers.

From Wiki: "Upon its theatrical release throughout the spring and summer of 1968, the movie's gruesome content was met with disgust by several film critics in the UK, despite having been extensively censored by the British Board of Film Censors." Hollywood Citizen News referred to the film's "orgiastic sadism". From a poster for the American release, verbatim: "LEAVE THE CHILDREN HOME! … and if YOU are SQUEAMISH STAY HOME WITH THEM!!!!!!!" (< that's seven exclamation points. I didn't add or subtract any.)

I think the production might have emphasized parts of the story and downplayed (or probably excised) others, but this story doesn't need the "Hollywood treatment" to make it horrific. Constantly confronted by ignorance and stupidity, lately I haven't been able to stop wondering how on earth the human race made it to the 21st century. It just doesn't make sense that a species capable of this much idiocy managed to even make it bipedal, much less to the moon (though the fact that the last time we were on the moon was over forty years ago is relevant). This book … This just underlines what I've been saying. And highlights it. Puts it in italics. And 72 point font. With Word Art added. A line from The Mikado comes to mind: "Nobody's safe, for we care for none" – literally anyone could be accused of witchcraft, for any reason from genuine belief to jealousy or simple dislike to a desire on the accuser's part to curry favor with authority by proving their own deep piety by turning someone in … and once accused, victims would pretty much be on an irreversible course to torture and death. And literally anything the accused might say in their own defense was … worthless. The "evidence" in these witch trials is hair-raising. It would actually be funny if it hadn't been part and parcel of the torture, rape, and murder of hundreds of people, mostly women, mostly elderly or physically or mentally disabled. And if this book wasn't based on truth. Matthew Hopkins, Stearne, and the named victims in the book? Real. God help us (but not his God).

It's as if we decided today to seek out vampires, and began pulling from their homes anyone who was allergic to garlic. Or who was pale. Or around whose house someone once thought they saw a bat fly (though it was dark and they couldn't be sure, but they felt funny the next day, and the pint of Jack Daniels had nothing to do with that). I wish I was exaggerating.

I will always remember reading L.M. Montgomery's Anne books, viewed as the epitome of wholesomeness, and being shocked that the folk of Avonlea would have regarded ten-year-old me as an object of contempt, if not outright loathing, because I was Roman Catholic. Weirdly, this was my first experience of religious intolerance. I find this book, set toward the beginning of the strongest anti-Catholic sentiment, kind of remarkable in that we (the dread papists) aren't even remotely the evil-doers – we are the prey. I'd forgotten how brutal it all was. Gosh, we were capable of just anything – Heaven forbid part of the dossier against someone included Catholic leanings. I mean, I know full well that hideous things have been done by Catholics and in the name of Catholicism - just as hideous things have been done in the name of every other religion there is … but I'm really, really happy that the witch trials can't be pinned on Catholics. Just sayin'. Sir Andrew Aguecheek – "born" not so long before Hopkins – is not exactly a font of wisdom, but I begin to really understand the line: "O, if I thought [he was a Puritan], I’d beat him like a dog!"

This novel is well-written. It's very readable – except for the parts that are almost impossible to read. But if I had been more aware of what I was getting into I never would have requested it on Netgalley in the first place, or having requested it would have shirked it without a qualm. To follow this I am going to need something filled with sweetness and light and hope and … puppies … definitely puppies.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually really loved this book. It was a pretty quick read and super easy to fall in love with. I love this time period and the way it was written was awesome and perfect

[Maxime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book via net galley in exchange for an honest review.
1643. England is at war with itself.

While bitter battles rage between King and Parliament, local magistrates have more power, and less accountability, than ever before.

Taking advantage of the tense atmosphere and lax prosecution procedures, Matthew Hopkins, an insignificant lawyer and self-appointed Witchfinder General, travels across East Anglia accusing the aged, the confused and the poor of satanic crimes against their neighbours.

With every innocent death, his purse grows heavier, as he satisfies his lust for power.

But his dealings with one particular young woman make him a powerful enemy in the form of Ralph Margery – a captain in Cromwell’s army who is determined to put a stop to Hopkins’ reign of terror.

I enjoyed this book unbelievable but true that this is Fiction based on Fact.
The poor women and simple folk the weak & infirm all preyed upon whilst the country at war divided and tearing itself apart highly recommend this is historical fiction well written and at its best!

[Davide · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published in 1966 and filmed (with Vincent Price in the title role) in 1968, "Witchfinder General" is a good, engaging historical novel. It follows the evolution of Matther Hopkins, from second-rate lawyer and former foot soldier in Cromwell's Army, into the Witchfinder General, a man that is considered responsible of the trial and execution of no less that 300 women over a period of less than four years.
The novel combines the accurate reconstruction of the Civil War in East Anglia with the personal events of Hopkins and his victims.
The historical documentation makes this a chilling reading, a fascinating portrayal of an aberrant psychology, and a wonderful depiction of the way in which historical events shape personal histories.
Highly recommended.

[Evi Photopoulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Witchfinder General" is a dark and haunting novel that immerses readers in the harrowing reality of the witch trials era. Ronald Bassett's meticulous research and skillful storytelling create a vivid portrait of a society gripped by fear and paranoia. This is a book that lingers in the mind long after the final page, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of intolerance and the abuse of power throughout history.

[Mbuye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on actual historical characters and events, 'Witchfinder General' describes an administrative post unofficially established by the fearfully superstitious James I of England and VI of Scotland (he of the King James Bible) and, oddly enough, tolerated by the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell.

In this novel, the witchfinder is a superstitious lawyer, if such a beast could exist. More than either, it was the bounty that attracted him. For there was a witchfinder fee of so many pounds per witch, which made witch-hunting a most desirable profession. And Matthew Hopkins found himself a reasonably rich man at the end of two years.

Ronald Bassett's book gives a realistic description of the Civil War and a very probable account of a witchfinder's activities, as well as of the reactions of more level-headed and rational men. The character build-up, too, is excellent. His first victim is an old woman of over seventy, who has been raped while in his custody by a rascally gaoler who testifies against her to prevent her testifying against him. The witchfinders stop at nothing to halt Satan: rape, warfare, murder and pillage are all tools to discover the lodgement of a Witch, to arraign her trial, see to her execution, collect the fee, and be off.

More and more women are arrested, tortured until 'confessions' are wrung out of them, implicating yet other women in distant parts of the district, and even beyond into other counties. The description of their deaths by hanging, drowning, and burning, and the mass frenzy that accompanied and followed these public executions is horrifying.

But the reverse is equally merciless. The families of the persecuted and condemned women are out for a bloodthirsty vengeance. They have to move cautiously, for the magistracy brings the weight of law in sympathy with the witch hunters. Nevertheless, as time goes on, the whole logic of witch hunting is raised by more and more voices, serious, common, educated clergymen or gypsy women, all are raised against the practice.

The temptation to read this book is the writing: it is good, but more than that, Matthew Hopkins and John Stearne were real people, and their acts a matter of record. A historical novel with a bite.

[Carrie Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in 1966, this book combines two narratives: Matthew Hopkins, the self-styled lawyer turned Witchfinder General; and Captain Ralph Margery, who was a member of the Parliamentarian cavalry during the English Civil War. Their paths inevitably cross, as these two events in history rage simultaneously across the South East of England.

It’s important to remember that this book was penned in a world which was very different to the one we inhabit nearly 60 years later. However, only one incidence of terminology we’d frown on today - that of a black-skinned man who was given a less acceptable label - was noticed, and even then it was used in a way pertinent to the situation.

Whilst most of the story focuses on Hopkins, the book does contain some detailed description of actual battles and military tactics, many of which are quite graphic. Ronald Bassett had a lifelong passion for war history, and was a serviceman himself. Indeed, a swift glance at his impressive list of published works speaks volumes (no pun intended).

In terms of those Hopkins accused of witchcraft, the text can seem somewhat cold, with the exception of a notable few. Perhaps a better term for it would be perfunctory. One reason may be that it’s written by a man whose mind was military by nature, therefore not a world in which emotions perceived as softer ones are useful - certainly pre-21st century. But another is likely to be that, whilst Hopkins’ victims are absolutely a part of the tale, they’re not really the focus at all. Rather, it’s the story of his conduct and how that comes to intersect with the path of Captain Margery. However, despite the brevity of the victims’ details and their treatment, it does give the reader a very clear depiction of the horrors that unfolded due to his heinous acts.

Verdict: this book is a very informative account of a tumultuous time in British history. It does contain descriptions of violence and sexual behaviour, so not one to recommend to those who may be sensitive to these elements. It’s also not a romance, so does not seek to provide a “happily ever after”. But, if you’re interested in Hopkins or witchcraft in England generally, then this novel is certainly worth reading, despite its brutality.

[Benji · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ronald Bassett crafts a despicable character from historical villain Matthew Hopkins. After locals bring accusations of witchcraft to lawyer Matthew Hopkins, and he learns how easy it is to make money by beating, torturing, and otherwise coercing confessions from those living on the fringes of a highly paranoid society, he sets off across England on a lucrative career of arraigning people for witchcraft.

There is a hero in the tale, of sorts, in the form of a roundhead cavalryman named Margery whose fiancé is raped by Hopkins as she attempts to stop him from arraigning her uncle. However Margery is largely occupied with the ongoing English civil war. Some close calls as the two almost encounter one another add some tension to the plot, but Margery is a fairly flat character with no real motivations other than hoping he gets to kill Hopkins.

The book is largely an account of the actual Matthew Hopkins' exploits, characterizing him as an extremely hateworthy evil pathetic slimeball, your enjoyment of this book will likely stem from just how entertaining you find the miserable, self serving antics of the character of Hopkins and his companions John Stearne and Goody Phillips, and how badly you want to see them get their comeuppance.

[Sir Robbiethehoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set between 1643 and 1647 and based upon real life historic events this story follows Matthew Hopkins, accomplice Stearne and Goody Phillips as they arraign witches throughout East Angelia and the surrounding counties and shires. The Witchfinder exploits the English civil war, Cromwell’s Parliamentary forces (Roundheads) against King Charles’ Royalists.

A good entertaining book to read if you enjoy witch based fiction. And on the basis it’s based around some level of fact adds a further level of interest. I did like this book but do feel it could have benefited from being slightly shortened.

...

This book makes up part of the Unholy Trinity alongside, The Wickerman and Blood on Satan’s Claw. All of which are worth a read/watch.

The Witchfinder General film strays a bit from the book but the general gist is there and it is well worth a watch.

[Denise Currie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not what I thought it was going to be. It was a bit dry and very slow. I gave up on it because I have a series I want to read that looks a bit more exciting, but I may come back to it at a later date.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting some pulp and instead got a fairly truthful historical fiction about Matthew Hopkins. There's a bit more about the English Civil War than is necessary, and some of those chapters bog things down a little. In all, I prefer the Vincent Price film.

[Haydn Pope · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating

What a cruel breed the witchfinders were - taking advantage of the old, weak, illiterate. They murdered just line their own pockets..

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Good book about subject im interested in and one of my favourite periods of history very well written you feel as if you are there

[L J Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and depraved

Witchfinder General is a historical novel that stays very close to the depraved facts revolving around the activities of a trinity of witch hunters led by one Matthew Hopkins. It is hard to believe that religion could be so twisted as to be used as a weapon upon poor, bewildered old women, the mentally ill and those suffering from poor intelligence. The methods of discovery and punishment of these wretches are as torturous as those of the Inquisition.

The novel follows the career of Hopkins and his associates John Sterne and ill-named Goody Phillips. After their first victim, they find that witch-finding is lucrative; so good, in fact, that they, over a short four-year period prosecute over three hundred souls.

This is my second opportunity to read a book by Ronald Bassett. While not as strong as Blood of an Englishman, this is an excellent novel that holds interest throughout its rather short length.

[Lady Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Witch stories and the history behind them then you will love this, it makes you think about what these women really went thru