Essex Witches

by Peter C. Brown

Medieval folk had long suspected that the Devil was carrying out his work on earth with the help of his minions. In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII declared this to be true, which resulted in witch-hunts across Europe that lasted for nearly 200 years. In 1645, England – and Essex in particular – was in the grip of witch fever. Between 1560 and 1680, 317 women and 23 men were tried for witchcraft in Essex alone, and over 100 were hanged. Essex Witches includes biographies of many of the local common folk who were tried in the courts for their beliefs and practice in herbal remedies and potions, and for causing the deaths of neighbours and even family members. These unfortunate citizens suffered the harshest penalties for their alleged sorcery and demonic ways, and those punishments are recorded here.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Witchcraft, British Literature

162 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2014

Reviews

[Trauermaerchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this type of nonfiction probably isn't for everyone, I personally really like what I'd call a list with explanations.

As someone with prior knowledge about the topic I still found myself interested and engaged but I think it's throughout enough to be easy to understand for someone without any prior knowledge as well.

It wasn't quite what I expected but I wasn't disappointed.

[Sarah Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable - well researched book - very useful as a dip in for research and cover to cover read.

[Katherine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting topic, extremely patronising language for a history book for adults.

[Antonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a topic that has fascinated me for a while, and I found the stories of some of the women/men from each area who were accused and the outcome interesting to read.

However, it does feel quite surface level, and I found it repetitive at times. I did not find the writing as engaging as I hoped, either

[Hollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read local history book. A good starting place for information about beliefs in witchcraft and the witch trials but would need to delve deeper to gain a more detailed understanding.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

On Sunday’s I set aside some time to read nonfiction. I enjoyed Essex Witches. It was quite fun in places, finding out the trivial things witches were accused of. Sadly many died for these trivial things too. I also learned that cow prices varied drastically during the witch trials. My favourite account was a case where two cows were bewitched to produce milk of all colours (p.111). This book covered all aspects of the witch trials and life in England in the 1600-1700s.