A Little Book of Alice Kyteler

by Donal Cadogan

In Ireland in 1324, the Bishop of Ossory in Kilkenny discovered he had a coven of witches under his nose. He found that it was led by a rich woman who had four dead husbands. Dame Alice Kyteler. What followed was struggle between church and state. God and Satan. In this medieval Norman town there was a castle and a cathedral so the struggle was very real and very present.

In the middle of the battle was a victim, Petronella de Meath, a servant girl. She became the first person in Europe to die at the stake for the crime of being a witch.

What really happened? Some historic documents exist which give us an insight into the doings of a bishop who burned with crusading zeal and wanted to stamp his authority on a community he saw as weak.

This book is the true story, from the records of what happened at that time and its aftermath.

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2024

Reviews

[Georgia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick history - I found this SO interesting! I want to know more!!

[Laney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice little overview of Alice Kyteler’s life that I picked up while touring round bookshops in Ireland. A life and subject that should be expanded on but a nice little stepping stone given how short it was.

[Beff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Half written in Alice, half on the man who accused her. Not sure what more could be expected from a little book, it told the historical records found to create a timeline.