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Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England: The Magic of Toadmen, Plough Witches, Mummers, and Bonesmen
A comprehensive account of the rich folk culture preserved in the rural secret societies of the British Isles
• Describes the secret rites, ceremonies, and initiation rituals of guilds and rural fraternities such as the Shoemakers, Horsemen, Toadmen, Mummers, and Bonesmen
• Explains their use of masks, black face, and other disguises to avoid persecution
• Draws not only on scholarly research but also the author’s personal contacts within these still living traditions
Centuries ago the remote, marshy plains of eastern England--the Fens--were drained to create agricultural land. The Fens remained isolated up until the nineteenth century, and it was this very isolation that helped preserve the ancient traditions of this area, traditions ruthlessly eradicated elsewhere in the British Isles. These magical folk traditions also owe their survival to secret rural societies, from craft guilds and trade unions to Morris dancers and village bands.
Exploring the folk customs and magical traditions of guilds and rural fraternities such as the Shoemakers and Horsemen and the secrets guarded by the Free Gardeners, Witches, Toadmen, and Bonesmen, Nigel Pennick shows how the common working people of the Fens belonged to secret societies based on their specific trade. He details the hidden aspects of rural life that most historians ignore--the magical current that flowed through the lives of working people--and describes the secret rites, ceremonies, oaths, and initiation rituals of the guilds and fraternities to which the folk belonged.
Drawing not only on scholarly research but also his personal contacts within these still living traditions, Pennick explains their use of masks, black face, and other disguises to avoid persecution and describes how wise woman healers and witches in rural villages were sought-after for their remedies. He shares the secrets of the toad-bone rite, which gave the Toadman control over animals and members of the opposite sex, and explores the guardian spirits thought to inhabit the Fens, including those of the Wild Hunt.
Providing insight into a world that has largely disappeared, one whose magic still echoes in lore and legend, Pennick shows that the rites, customs, and ceremonies of guilds and rural fraternities connect individuals to a wider community and, through collective action, to the power of Nature and the Cosmos.
• Describes the secret rites, ceremonies, and initiation rituals of guilds and rural fraternities such as the Shoemakers, Horsemen, Toadmen, Mummers, and Bonesmen
• Explains their use of masks, black face, and other disguises to avoid persecution
• Draws not only on scholarly research but also the author’s personal contacts within these still living traditions
Centuries ago the remote, marshy plains of eastern England--the Fens--were drained to create agricultural land. The Fens remained isolated up until the nineteenth century, and it was this very isolation that helped preserve the ancient traditions of this area, traditions ruthlessly eradicated elsewhere in the British Isles. These magical folk traditions also owe their survival to secret rural societies, from craft guilds and trade unions to Morris dancers and village bands.
Exploring the folk customs and magical traditions of guilds and rural fraternities such as the Shoemakers and Horsemen and the secrets guarded by the Free Gardeners, Witches, Toadmen, and Bonesmen, Nigel Pennick shows how the common working people of the Fens belonged to secret societies based on their specific trade. He details the hidden aspects of rural life that most historians ignore--the magical current that flowed through the lives of working people--and describes the secret rites, ceremonies, oaths, and initiation rituals of the guilds and fraternities to which the folk belonged.
Drawing not only on scholarly research but also his personal contacts within these still living traditions, Pennick explains their use of masks, black face, and other disguises to avoid persecution and describes how wise woman healers and witches in rural villages were sought-after for their remedies. He shares the secrets of the toad-bone rite, which gave the Toadman control over animals and members of the opposite sex, and explores the guardian spirits thought to inhabit the Fens, including those of the Wild Hunt.
Providing insight into a world that has largely disappeared, one whose magic still echoes in lore and legend, Pennick shows that the rites, customs, and ceremonies of guilds and rural fraternities connect individuals to a wider community and, through collective action, to the power of Nature and the Cosmos.
224 pages, Paperback
Published April 9, 2019
15 people are currently reading
197 people want to read
About the author
Nigel Pennick
126 books89 followersNigel Campbell Pennick, born 1946 in Guildford, Surrey, England in the United Kingdom, an author publishing on occultism, magic, natural magic, divination, subterranea, rural folk customs, traditional performance and Celtic art as well as runosophy.
He is a writer on marine species as well as an occultist and geomancer, artist and illustrator, stained-glass designer and maker, musician and mummer. He also writes on European arts and crafts, buildings, landscape, customs, games and spiritual traditions. He has written several booklets on the history of urban transport in Cambridge and London . He is best known for his research on geomancy, labyrinths, sacred geometry, the spiritual arts and crafts, esoteric alphabets and Germanic runic studies.
He has written many books in German and has over 50 published books and hundreds of published papers on a wide range of subjects.
He is a writer on marine species as well as an occultist and geomancer, artist and illustrator, stained-glass designer and maker, musician and mummer. He also writes on European arts and crafts, buildings, landscape, customs, games and spiritual traditions. He has written several booklets on the history of urban transport in Cambridge and London . He is best known for his research on geomancy, labyrinths, sacred geometry, the spiritual arts and crafts, esoteric alphabets and Germanic runic studies.
He has written many books in German and has over 50 published books and hundreds of published papers on a wide range of subjects.
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February 10, 2019
Also available on the WondrousBooks blog.
I don't deny being interested by this thorough and well-researched book, but simultaneously, I also can't not mention my disappointment by the misleading title. I'm sure that whoever came up with the title of the book was very well aware that it would bring a lot more attention to it than a more truthful description of the contents.
In reality, this book is a lot more about folklore and the initiation rites of secret societies in rural England, than it is about witchcraft.
The author did a lot of research, used many sources, and obviously had a deep knowledge and a deep interest in the marshlands of eastern England. All on its own, this book was an intriguing read which introduced me to a lot of customs, rites and secret societies (such as the horsemen, the mummers, bonesmen, toadmen, etc) that I had never heard of and probably never would, had it not been for "Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England". It was interesting to learn about the nearly-forgotten beliefs of the people of eastern England and how they changed through time, eventually to disappear almost completely.
From a writing perspective, I felt like there were a few too many repetitions, for example the traditions of Plough Monday and the initiation rites of the secret societies were retold several times throughout the book, which leads me to believe that this was the core of the book itself, albeit not attractive enough for the unknowledgeable reader to be stated as openly in the title of the book.
Witchcraft, on the other hand, had a very small role in the book - as much as any natural remedy or a person able to make it, is witchcraft/a witch, and only slightly more than that. In my false expectations, I would have wanted to read a more deep account of what was believed to be witchcraft in the times of the witch trials and later on, as well as an overview of the climate surrounding witches and their treatment. Considering that this book focuses on traditions, folklore and beliefs, it was still interesting to read, but from a very different perspective and to be appreciated for its educational values, rather than the glimpse into the supernatural.<
I don't deny being interested by this thorough and well-researched book, but simultaneously, I also can't not mention my disappointment by the misleading title. I'm sure that whoever came up with the title of the book was very well aware that it would bring a lot more attention to it than a more truthful description of the contents.
In reality, this book is a lot more about folklore and the initiation rites of secret societies in rural England, than it is about witchcraft.
The author did a lot of research, used many sources, and obviously had a deep knowledge and a deep interest in the marshlands of eastern England. All on its own, this book was an intriguing read which introduced me to a lot of customs, rites and secret societies (such as the horsemen, the mummers, bonesmen, toadmen, etc) that I had never heard of and probably never would, had it not been for "Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England". It was interesting to learn about the nearly-forgotten beliefs of the people of eastern England and how they changed through time, eventually to disappear almost completely.
From a writing perspective, I felt like there were a few too many repetitions, for example the traditions of Plough Monday and the initiation rites of the secret societies were retold several times throughout the book, which leads me to believe that this was the core of the book itself, albeit not attractive enough for the unknowledgeable reader to be stated as openly in the title of the book.
Witchcraft, on the other hand, had a very small role in the book - as much as any natural remedy or a person able to make it, is witchcraft/a witch, and only slightly more than that. In my false expectations, I would have wanted to read a more deep account of what was believed to be witchcraft in the times of the witch trials and later on, as well as an overview of the climate surrounding witches and their treatment. Considering that this book focuses on traditions, folklore and beliefs, it was still interesting to read, but from a very different perspective and to be appreciated for its educational values, rather than the glimpse into the supernatural.<
April 12, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley for a Kindle ARC of
Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England.
Like another reviewer noted, this book was not what I expected.
With 'witchcraft' in the title (which I'm sure was purely for PR and marketing reasons), this informative and well researched book had very little to do with witchcraft, its origins, traditions and rituals.
Yes, there are stories about 'wise women and men' with knowledge about herbs, herbal remedies and ways of curing illness and performing medical procedures most people knew nothing about.
There are also tales of women with unusual abilities over animals and people, but the stories are few, compared to the little known societies the author mentions here such as cattle drovers, mummers, and toadmen, just to name a few.
The author has done incredible research, like including copies of the songs and chants the societies would sing when inducting new members.
The pictures are fascinating to look at but I do wish there had been detailed maps when the author spoke in great detail about where these societies resided and where the cattle was being driven from and to.
For the directionally challenged (like myself), a map would be super useful because as I was reading these words, all I could see in my head were squiggles, like in the Family Circus cartoons when the kids would go cavorting around their town in search of mischief.
An interesting book, well researched, reserved but dry in tone and could seriously use more 'witchcraft.'
Like another reviewer noted, this book was not what I expected.
With 'witchcraft' in the title (which I'm sure was purely for PR and marketing reasons), this informative and well researched book had very little to do with witchcraft, its origins, traditions and rituals.
Yes, there are stories about 'wise women and men' with knowledge about herbs, herbal remedies and ways of curing illness and performing medical procedures most people knew nothing about.
There are also tales of women with unusual abilities over animals and people, but the stories are few, compared to the little known societies the author mentions here such as cattle drovers, mummers, and toadmen, just to name a few.
The author has done incredible research, like including copies of the songs and chants the societies would sing when inducting new members.
The pictures are fascinating to look at but I do wish there had been detailed maps when the author spoke in great detail about where these societies resided and where the cattle was being driven from and to.
For the directionally challenged (like myself), a map would be super useful because as I was reading these words, all I could see in my head were squiggles, like in the Family Circus cartoons when the kids would go cavorting around their town in search of mischief.
An interesting book, well researched, reserved but dry in tone and could seriously use more 'witchcraft.'
Read
November 10, 2021Really enjoyable and a nice quick read.
March 4, 2019
Not the usual kind of thing I read at all, but this book was a fascinating insight into rural culture in England, something which I know very little about despite being English, having always lived in big cities. It has certainly made me want to find out more about the tradition of witchcraft in this country.
June 3, 2019
This is a bit difficult to review. There was a ton of interesting historical information in this book, but there was almost nothing even tangentially related to witchcraft until the last few chapters. That comes as a disappointment given witchcraft is the first word in the title.
I also think this would have benefited from a good editor. A lot of things were repeated almost verbatim several times, even in consecutive paragraphs in some cases. Other things were just briefly mentioned in passing and never explained. This made certain parts of the book feel like random facts strung together into paragraphs without any real connection. The pictures and illustrations were similarly disjointed from the text. The book ended very abruptly, with a postscript that was insightful and yet seemingly unrelated to anything else in the book - like an argument from another paper instead of closure for this particular work. Also, the author references himself a lot, which just feels a bit weird to me as someone who studied history.
All that being said, I did learn a LOT. I studied this broad location/period for my degrees, and even lived in this part of England for a short time, and had never even heard of most of these concepts. This serves as a good introduction to subjects that I would like to read more on elsewhere.
I also think this would have benefited from a good editor. A lot of things were repeated almost verbatim several times, even in consecutive paragraphs in some cases. Other things were just briefly mentioned in passing and never explained. This made certain parts of the book feel like random facts strung together into paragraphs without any real connection. The pictures and illustrations were similarly disjointed from the text. The book ended very abruptly, with a postscript that was insightful and yet seemingly unrelated to anything else in the book - like an argument from another paper instead of closure for this particular work. Also, the author references himself a lot, which just feels a bit weird to me as someone who studied history.
All that being said, I did learn a LOT. I studied this broad location/period for my degrees, and even lived in this part of England for a short time, and had never even heard of most of these concepts. This serves as a good introduction to subjects that I would like to read more on elsewhere.
April 14, 2019
I received a complimentary ARC copy of Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England: The Magic of Toadmen, Plough Witches, Mummers, and Bonesmen
by Nigel Pennick from NetGalley and Inner Traditions/Destiny Books in order to read and give an honest review.
As a fantasy fiction writer, I have read some of Mr Pennick’s previous works as research material in the past, so this was right up my alley.
This author is prolific and knowledgeable when it comes to the folklore that surrounds paganism and it definitely shows in “Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England”. As always, the author’s work is interesting, very meticulously researched and it is evident beyond doubt that he is passionate about the subject matter.
“Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England” covers everything from the secret guilds that arose around trades to magic and folklore that surrounded witches. Sharing with the reader and giving us insight into their traditions and how they came to be.
Considering much of the history of these subjects was spread through oral tradition, being passed down through the generations, the author has discovered some very unique and interesting tales that are the origins of sayings or traditions still present today. What really intrigued me was the folklore behind some of the artefacts that have survived, in particular, the “witch bottles” and “sprite traps”. Another impressive touch, which was particularly helpful, was the fact that the author included photographs and illustrations.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in learning about folklore and traditions that surround Anglo-Saxon paganism.
by Nigel Pennick from NetGalley and Inner Traditions/Destiny Books in order to read and give an honest review.
As a fantasy fiction writer, I have read some of Mr Pennick’s previous works as research material in the past, so this was right up my alley.
This author is prolific and knowledgeable when it comes to the folklore that surrounds paganism and it definitely shows in “Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England”. As always, the author’s work is interesting, very meticulously researched and it is evident beyond doubt that he is passionate about the subject matter.
“Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England” covers everything from the secret guilds that arose around trades to magic and folklore that surrounded witches. Sharing with the reader and giving us insight into their traditions and how they came to be.
Considering much of the history of these subjects was spread through oral tradition, being passed down through the generations, the author has discovered some very unique and interesting tales that are the origins of sayings or traditions still present today. What really intrigued me was the folklore behind some of the artefacts that have survived, in particular, the “witch bottles” and “sprite traps”. Another impressive touch, which was particularly helpful, was the fact that the author included photographs and illustrations.
I really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in learning about folklore and traditions that surround Anglo-Saxon paganism.
May 7, 2021
This book was amazing! In fact, it made it to my forever shelf and I hope to reread it again in Autumn. The story is a nonfic account of the secret societies and how they came about. This book goes into the old folk customs and magical traditions of the different guilds. It shows that people who you come across may be more than you think they are. I highly recommend this book! A spine tingling read!
May 12, 2019
This book is a cultural history of eastern England, centered around an area called The Fens. It's about the collection of secret societies, some formally organized and others, not so much, that existed for hundreds of years. While I was familiar with groups like the Freemasons and OddFellows, I had no idea there were societies such as the Horsemen, the Ploughmen, Toadmen, et al., that were organized into secret groups with passwords, special hand grips, initiations, and such like, that were passed orally from man to man (no women allowed). There were also the cunning men and women, who were predominately healers. Often called witches, they could be persecuted, even into the early part of the 20th century, but usually weren't. There was very little police presence in and around The Fens.
People lived isolated lives in these parts of England, but they were not completely cut off from the outside world. The great livestock fairs took place several times a year, and herders from all over England came to sell their stock. The story of the drovers was, for me, one of the most interesting parts of the book - they walked their herds from as far away as the Scottish Highlands, with their dogs in charge. The men would send their dogs ahead, with the herd, while they stopped at an inn for food and drink, eventually catching up to them further down the road. At fair's end, the drovers would send their dogs out ahead of them, and let them find their own way home. The dogs knew where to stop to get fed, and their owners would follow a few days behind, paying the people who had cared for their dogs. These beasties would get home about a week ahead of the drovers, which alerted the families that the men would soon be turning up. Anybody who owns a border collie now has another reason why their dogs are so smart, and so relentlessly tireless.
This book is more about the folklore and folkways of a certain area of England that existed nearly intact until after the Great War. There is some description of magical practices, but the bulk of the book is how these people, on the margins of society, keep up a rich and vibrant culture, even in the face of grinding poverty. If you are interested in learning about a world like this, I would recommend this book wholeheartedly.
People lived isolated lives in these parts of England, but they were not completely cut off from the outside world. The great livestock fairs took place several times a year, and herders from all over England came to sell their stock. The story of the drovers was, for me, one of the most interesting parts of the book - they walked their herds from as far away as the Scottish Highlands, with their dogs in charge. The men would send their dogs ahead, with the herd, while they stopped at an inn for food and drink, eventually catching up to them further down the road. At fair's end, the drovers would send their dogs out ahead of them, and let them find their own way home. The dogs knew where to stop to get fed, and their owners would follow a few days behind, paying the people who had cared for their dogs. These beasties would get home about a week ahead of the drovers, which alerted the families that the men would soon be turning up. Anybody who owns a border collie now has another reason why their dogs are so smart, and so relentlessly tireless.
This book is more about the folklore and folkways of a certain area of England that existed nearly intact until after the Great War. There is some description of magical practices, but the bulk of the book is how these people, on the margins of society, keep up a rich and vibrant culture, even in the face of grinding poverty. If you are interested in learning about a world like this, I would recommend this book wholeheartedly.
January 10, 2019
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review. The review is my opinion.
I enjoyed this book while at the same time it wasn’t exactly what I expected. With the word Witchcraft being the first word in the title I did expect more emphasis on the rural traditions of witches. There was mention of course of witches, but it still was less than what I thought would be there.
That all being stated, I did find the book to be interesting and well researched. I learned some cool facts and information. The style of the writing was engaging.
There were points when describing places where an illustration of a map would have been helpful. This could have given me a better sense of the place and painted more of a picture in my mind of what was going on.
Overall this was an informative book. My rating reflects my disappointment that there wasn’t more regarding witchcraft and their traditions.
I enjoyed this book while at the same time it wasn’t exactly what I expected. With the word Witchcraft being the first word in the title I did expect more emphasis on the rural traditions of witches. There was mention of course of witches, but it still was less than what I thought would be there.
That all being stated, I did find the book to be interesting and well researched. I learned some cool facts and information. The style of the writing was engaging.
There were points when describing places where an illustration of a map would have been helpful. This could have given me a better sense of the place and painted more of a picture in my mind of what was going on.
Overall this was an informative book. My rating reflects my disappointment that there wasn’t more regarding witchcraft and their traditions.
April 8, 2019
My thanks to Inner Traditions/Destiny Books for an digital edition of Nigel Pennick’s ‘Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England’ in exchange for an honest review.
Its subtitle is ‘the Magic of Toadmen, Plough Witches, Mummers and Bonesmen’ and was originally published in the U.K. in 2011 under the title of ‘In Field and Fen’.
Nigel Pennick has written extensively on a wide variety of subjects including natural magic, folklore, sacred geometry, and runes. He is also a marine biologist, who has published a number of scientific papers.
I have some of his titles on my bookshelves and also attended a few talks that he has presented. I know that he approaches his esoteric subjects with great discipline as well as being committed to honouring the legacy of these native traditions.
I found this a fascinating and meticulously researched compendium of working class and folk traditions found mainly in the East of England. It’s the kind of book that you can easily dip into. It contains many illustrations including some rare photographs.
Some reviews have felt the witchcraft in the title was misleading. However, I personally felt that there was considerable information within the text about rural witchcraft with, as Pennick states, the proviso that: “The details of the rural magic practiced by these few recorded individuals are largely unrecorded. .... Those accounts of witches that contain any personal details show that most women reputed to be witches lived on the margins of society and were among the most impoverished in their respective villages.” So with very scarce details from records and oral accounts Pennick has confined himself to what has been documented.
I was especially drawn to the material on the magic of place. This section also touches on the subject of spirit guardians, Faerie, and the presence of other nonhuman beings observing that “some paths are places where humans are unwelcome at certain times because spirits are traveling on them then.”
It also contains an extensive bibliography and while absent from the ARC, the final edition will contain an index.
Recommended for those interested in folklore and the rich traditions of the land.
Its subtitle is ‘the Magic of Toadmen, Plough Witches, Mummers and Bonesmen’ and was originally published in the U.K. in 2011 under the title of ‘In Field and Fen’.
Nigel Pennick has written extensively on a wide variety of subjects including natural magic, folklore, sacred geometry, and runes. He is also a marine biologist, who has published a number of scientific papers.
I have some of his titles on my bookshelves and also attended a few talks that he has presented. I know that he approaches his esoteric subjects with great discipline as well as being committed to honouring the legacy of these native traditions.
I found this a fascinating and meticulously researched compendium of working class and folk traditions found mainly in the East of England. It’s the kind of book that you can easily dip into. It contains many illustrations including some rare photographs.
Some reviews have felt the witchcraft in the title was misleading. However, I personally felt that there was considerable information within the text about rural witchcraft with, as Pennick states, the proviso that: “The details of the rural magic practiced by these few recorded individuals are largely unrecorded. .... Those accounts of witches that contain any personal details show that most women reputed to be witches lived on the margins of society and were among the most impoverished in their respective villages.” So with very scarce details from records and oral accounts Pennick has confined himself to what has been documented.
I was especially drawn to the material on the magic of place. This section also touches on the subject of spirit guardians, Faerie, and the presence of other nonhuman beings observing that “some paths are places where humans are unwelcome at certain times because spirits are traveling on them then.”
It also contains an extensive bibliography and while absent from the ARC, the final edition will contain an index.
Recommended for those interested in folklore and the rich traditions of the land.
November 14, 2019
Witchcraft & Secret Societies of Rural England The Magic of Toadmen, Plough Witches, Mummers, and Bonesmen by Nigel Pennick
Book Review by Dawn Thomas
216 Pages
Publisher: Destiny Books
Release Date: April 9, 2019
Witchcraft, Folklore & Mythology, Spirituality
The book has the following chapters:
The Geographical Region and Its Link
The Drovers
Markets and Fairs
Secret of the Trades and Craft Guilds
Secrets of the Horsemen
Millers, Gardeners, and Bonesmen
The Confraternity of the Plough
Ritual Disguise and Resistance
Witches, Wise Women, Quack Doctresses and Cunning Men
Handywomen, Witches, and Witchcraft
Geomantic Traditions and the magic of Place
Devilish Definitions
Magic, Farming, and the Land
Tools of the Craft
The beginning of the book discusses the geographical regions. The section on Drovers explains how they would plant trees as landmarks to help them while moving flocks of sheep or herd of cattle. Most people are aware of the Freemasons, but the author discusses numerous secret societies and craft guilds. The Millers and Gardeners were thought to be practicing magic because of the results of their work. I was amazed with the information on the Toadmen and the process of collecting the toad bones. There is a detailed explanation of Plough Monday and the traditions associated with it.
The information about Rebecca and Her Daughters and their vindication very interesting. Although their methods were questionable, they got the results they were looking for. The history of the Cunning Folk and Mother Redcap was very thorough. I loved the section about Witches having the ability to stop animals in their tracks. Of course, no book on Witches or Witchcraft would be complete without discussing persecution. The last chapter discusses many different tools used including brooms and divining rods.
The book contains many photos and drawings to help describe the different topics and sections. I have read many books by this author and always learn something, and this book was no different. I appreciate the dedication to research Mr. Pennick has when writing. If you are interested in history, this book should definitely be on your bookshelf.
Book Review by Dawn Thomas
216 Pages
Publisher: Destiny Books
Release Date: April 9, 2019
Witchcraft, Folklore & Mythology, Spirituality
The book has the following chapters:
The Geographical Region and Its Link
The Drovers
Markets and Fairs
Secret of the Trades and Craft Guilds
Secrets of the Horsemen
Millers, Gardeners, and Bonesmen
The Confraternity of the Plough
Ritual Disguise and Resistance
Witches, Wise Women, Quack Doctresses and Cunning Men
Handywomen, Witches, and Witchcraft
Geomantic Traditions and the magic of Place
Devilish Definitions
Magic, Farming, and the Land
Tools of the Craft
The beginning of the book discusses the geographical regions. The section on Drovers explains how they would plant trees as landmarks to help them while moving flocks of sheep or herd of cattle. Most people are aware of the Freemasons, but the author discusses numerous secret societies and craft guilds. The Millers and Gardeners were thought to be practicing magic because of the results of their work. I was amazed with the information on the Toadmen and the process of collecting the toad bones. There is a detailed explanation of Plough Monday and the traditions associated with it.
The information about Rebecca and Her Daughters and their vindication very interesting. Although their methods were questionable, they got the results they were looking for. The history of the Cunning Folk and Mother Redcap was very thorough. I loved the section about Witches having the ability to stop animals in their tracks. Of course, no book on Witches or Witchcraft would be complete without discussing persecution. The last chapter discusses many different tools used including brooms and divining rods.
The book contains many photos and drawings to help describe the different topics and sections. I have read many books by this author and always learn something, and this book was no different. I appreciate the dedication to research Mr. Pennick has when writing. If you are interested in history, this book should definitely be on your bookshelf.
April 18, 2019
I don’t quite know where to begin with Nigel Pennick’s Witchcraft and Secret Societies in Rural England, except to say that I really enjoyed it. It’s not like any other book I’ve ever read, and I suppose it did have its limitations, but in a bizarre way it was fun and I learned a lot.
The book’s a bit of a slow starter. It’s almost a quarter of the way through before we actually got to any secret societies and witchcraft, and much of the opening was taken up with a detailed description of the area of eastern England on which the book is focussed. Some might find that frustrating. I didn’t. I found it completely fascinating, and the book took me longer read than it might have done because I was busy looking up all the places in Google Maps. (That’s good thing, by the way.)
When we got into the meat of the book, it was intriguing. Some might find the rituals of Plough Monday and the secret initiation rituals of the Horsemen, never mind the magic spells of the toadmen, to be irrelevant in this day and age but the book contains a wealth of information on traditional rural ways.
Two things about it astonished me. The first was how long these traditions persisted in parts of East Anglia — right up until the early part of the last century in some cases — and the second was how many apparently unconnected pieces of knowledge already in my head fell into place as I read.
If the book lacked anything, it was a slightly more rigorous examination of exactly how the rural witches managed to hoodwink their contemporaries — for example, the author makes a reference to certain substances being used to stop horses in their tracks but doesn’t go into detail — but other than that it was an absorbing and enriching read. I’m not sure it’s the book for everyone, but if you’re interested in traditions then yes…you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Thanks to Netgalley and Destiny Books for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
The book’s a bit of a slow starter. It’s almost a quarter of the way through before we actually got to any secret societies and witchcraft, and much of the opening was taken up with a detailed description of the area of eastern England on which the book is focussed. Some might find that frustrating. I didn’t. I found it completely fascinating, and the book took me longer read than it might have done because I was busy looking up all the places in Google Maps. (That’s good thing, by the way.)
When we got into the meat of the book, it was intriguing. Some might find the rituals of Plough Monday and the secret initiation rituals of the Horsemen, never mind the magic spells of the toadmen, to be irrelevant in this day and age but the book contains a wealth of information on traditional rural ways.
Two things about it astonished me. The first was how long these traditions persisted in parts of East Anglia — right up until the early part of the last century in some cases — and the second was how many apparently unconnected pieces of knowledge already in my head fell into place as I read.
If the book lacked anything, it was a slightly more rigorous examination of exactly how the rural witches managed to hoodwink their contemporaries — for example, the author makes a reference to certain substances being used to stop horses in their tracks but doesn’t go into detail — but other than that it was an absorbing and enriching read. I’m not sure it’s the book for everyone, but if you’re interested in traditions then yes…you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Thanks to Netgalley and Destiny Books for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
August 24, 2020
I'm only going to repeat what other reviewers have said but the title of this book is so misleading!
If you're looking for a book on the old rural traditions of the east / south east of England then this is for you. If you're looking for a book on witchcraft and secret societies in England as a whole, then you're going to be disappointed. I expect this book was given the title it has in order to appeal to a wider set of readers than it ordinarily would have. Shame on you, publisher!
The book itself is well researched and contains a lot of information of the old rural traditions, but in the first few pages the author tells you he focuses on the Fenlands in and around his native Cambridge. The book also touches on Lincolnshire and the south Midlands, but that's about it as far as England goes. Scotland, Wales and even Germany get more mentions than the Midlands, North East / West and South West. As for witchcraft, you have to get to page 122 (approx.) before any mention of it, and I have to comment that this is a very male-oriented book. Possibly this is because many of the traditions touched on are from the 19th century when such things were kept among the men, but I'm sure if the author had researched a little more he could've found a few more female-only traditions to include.
Another thing other reviewers have mentioned is the endless repeated information - it drove me nuts! The book tends to read as though the chapters began life as separate articles written by the author at different points in time and then cobbled together to make a book with a misleading title. It's all very frustrating as you're left with the feeling you've been conned into buying what could've been a very good read. I've given it 3 stars because of the amount of information included, but it's a generous 3 stars given everything else mentioned. I may have explored further titles by Pennick but if they're all going to be like this then I'll steer clear and spend my pennies more wisely.
If you're looking for a book on the old rural traditions of the east / south east of England then this is for you. If you're looking for a book on witchcraft and secret societies in England as a whole, then you're going to be disappointed. I expect this book was given the title it has in order to appeal to a wider set of readers than it ordinarily would have. Shame on you, publisher!
The book itself is well researched and contains a lot of information of the old rural traditions, but in the first few pages the author tells you he focuses on the Fenlands in and around his native Cambridge. The book also touches on Lincolnshire and the south Midlands, but that's about it as far as England goes. Scotland, Wales and even Germany get more mentions than the Midlands, North East / West and South West. As for witchcraft, you have to get to page 122 (approx.) before any mention of it, and I have to comment that this is a very male-oriented book. Possibly this is because many of the traditions touched on are from the 19th century when such things were kept among the men, but I'm sure if the author had researched a little more he could've found a few more female-only traditions to include.
Another thing other reviewers have mentioned is the endless repeated information - it drove me nuts! The book tends to read as though the chapters began life as separate articles written by the author at different points in time and then cobbled together to make a book with a misleading title. It's all very frustrating as you're left with the feeling you've been conned into buying what could've been a very good read. I've given it 3 stars because of the amount of information included, but it's a generous 3 stars given everything else mentioned. I may have explored further titles by Pennick but if they're all going to be like this then I'll steer clear and spend my pennies more wisely.
July 21, 2021
A misleading title, as this book is not really about witchcraft in the way it's being marketed. The first half of the book covers rural life and occupations for men and the craft-specific knowledge in those communities. This leads to research on fraternity groups and their local/folklore-based initiations. Finally, the last few chapters discuss local fair traditions, witchcraft such as divination and bottles, and a bit about fairy/sprite culture. The author weaves in primary sources to an almost-encyclopedia style book about various traditions/tales.
I would give this book a 4 or even 5 if it had been accurately named. It's well-researched and a respectful exploration of folklore in the UK. It would be excellent source material/research for any fiction set in early rural England. But initially, I wanted to give the book a 2 because of the misleading title - clearly the publisher wanted to grab a magic-curious audience, but I'm not sure what the editors were thinking placing all that relevant material in the back. Still, I can't bear to vote down any respectful resources on rural/folklore research.
I would give this book a 4 or even 5 if it had been accurately named. It's well-researched and a respectful exploration of folklore in the UK. It would be excellent source material/research for any fiction set in early rural England. But initially, I wanted to give the book a 2 because of the misleading title - clearly the publisher wanted to grab a magic-curious audience, but I'm not sure what the editors were thinking placing all that relevant material in the back. Still, I can't bear to vote down any respectful resources on rural/folklore research.
March 26, 2019
I have read previous works by the author and always enjoy his well documented well researched topics. This was a fascinating book that I highly recommend to anyone that is interest in Scottish History and the societies of ancient English life.
Here he writes of the the Anglo Saxon of Nordics, the runes , secret Guilds and Houses of the time of ancient English customs. He writes of tradesmen , the Free Masons and the Scottish Rote history. He writes of how they amassed wealth, how they practiced their traditions and the fascinating hierarchies of the time. The author has included charts,, songs they sang and documents that are fascinating for the reader to experience. This is a very well researched excellent history of the groups that have such a rich history and have contributed so much to today's English and Scottish history. I enjoyed reading this and highly recommend this book.
Thank you for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
Here he writes of the the Anglo Saxon of Nordics, the runes , secret Guilds and Houses of the time of ancient English customs. He writes of tradesmen , the Free Masons and the Scottish Rote history. He writes of how they amassed wealth, how they practiced their traditions and the fascinating hierarchies of the time. The author has included charts,, songs they sang and documents that are fascinating for the reader to experience. This is a very well researched excellent history of the groups that have such a rich history and have contributed so much to today's English and Scottish history. I enjoyed reading this and highly recommend this book.
Thank you for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
March 15, 2025
While this is an interesting and incredibly well-researched book, it is not what I was expecting from the title. The author seems far more interested in telling about local traditions of a small part of England, and is unbothered about wether these are at all tied to witchcraft or a secret society of any kind. While the title is not entirely absent from the book, it does take a backseat to what is very much a love letter to Cambridgeshire and the surrounding areas, and much time is spent on describing geography and fairs held in the area.
The book does also contain a fair amount of repetition, specifically about the plough men, where the same stories are told in several different chapters of the book, making it a frustrating read.
Perhaps this book would have stood better with a different, less misleading title and more focussed chapters.
The book does also contain a fair amount of repetition, specifically about the plough men, where the same stories are told in several different chapters of the book, making it a frustrating read.
Perhaps this book would have stood better with a different, less misleading title and more focussed chapters.
February 23, 2020
Well, it wasn't really about witchcraft, more about the secret societies of tradesmen back in the day. But it was still very interesting, for all that, and the few rituals and spells they used to get through their daily lives were worth the purchase.
April 2, 2021
a fascinating look at the history, people and local customs of The Fens. Well researched, writing is a little dry and is more academically minded then your average book about witchcraft. If you are looking for flowery stories of the witches of yesteryear or spells, this is not your book.
February 2, 2019
Reader is introduced to a nice range of the topics in the title. It is not in-depth and reader is given an overview and nice information.
March 7, 2019
Completely nonsensical. I have no idea what this book is supposed to be about. It’s most certainly not about what the cover says.
April 13, 2019
I wanted to like this but it was just a really slow & boring read for me. It was well researched but it just didn’t pull me in.
September 16, 2019
Sadly I didn't learn much. It covered a lot of old ground...
February 12, 2020
Bone dry
September 13, 2021
This might be a great book full of interesting content, sadly the narration is terrible, I just can't keep focussed.
September 19, 2022
Truly fascinating and I enjoy Nigel Pennick's way of writing, along with his interest and involvement with local traditions.
January 12, 2019
This was a really interesting, informative book. I've always had an interest in secret societies and such. The book covers some more obscure groups (at least, some I hadn't heard of). I really enjoyed it
December 21, 2018
I like history book and this is an interesting and well researched one.
I loved how it illustrates the traditions, the jobs and the costumes of the different areas.
It was a good read, engaging and fascinating.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
I loved how it illustrates the traditions, the jobs and the costumes of the different areas.
It was a good read, engaging and fascinating.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
February 2, 2019
An incredibly intricate account, taking the reader through the ages of secret societies and magic in England. Not a quick, captivating read by any stretch but I did find many parts interesting and very thorough. Perfect for referencing the beginnings of Freemasonry and British folklore.
February 5, 2019
Interesting, but sometimes a bit drawn out. But overall, a decent read. I voluntarily read this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 17, 2019
Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England
The Magic of Toadmen, Plough Witches, Mummers, and Bonesmen
by Nigel Pennick
Nigel is a prolific author on multiple subjects. I think his favorite being the occult and Great Britain's history, folklore and customs. Anything to do with the Mercia/East Angela /Northumberland he probably knows about. This also led him into the Anglo Saxon fusion of Nordic customs, ways and writing namely the runes and how they were added onto in Britain. He is a mummer as his desire to keep the old ways of that area going and seeing the value in such will continue a legacy for future generations. Everyone has probably had or at least read a copy of A Pagan Book Of Days. This book is both incredibly informative the tinge of both nostalgia as well as many modern contrivances to bury the past or discard it is felt in full. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn more of AnglosSaxon ways and lifestyles and most importantly the secret Guilds and Houses which I believe in many cases had a lot of basis in Scotland originally. he goes through the old orders of the area and their known customs and how they originated and why. All of these different guilds were created by tradesmen in their particular crafts from cattle drivers [originally Scots] to horsemen, to masonry and on and each had their particular ceremonies and ways. The longest surviving being the Free Masons with the Scottish Rote level containing a wealth or history. The creators of these guilds were in a position where they could gather money for their work and called freemen of the medieval times when they were able to work their trade to do so. Most people were serfs then a small amount the lords. The plagues further created actual opportunity for people by wiping so many out their craft work was more appreciated and people were more willing to buy as they no longer had what would amount to slaves to get it free. the cattlemen and the horsemen are both fascinating groups as are the other guilds in their customs read on this subject.
The Magic of Toadmen, Plough Witches, Mummers, and Bonesmen
by Nigel Pennick
Nigel is a prolific author on multiple subjects. I think his favorite being the occult and Great Britain's history, folklore and customs. Anything to do with the Mercia/East Angela /Northumberland he probably knows about. This also led him into the Anglo Saxon fusion of Nordic customs, ways and writing namely the runes and how they were added onto in Britain. He is a mummer as his desire to keep the old ways of that area going and seeing the value in such will continue a legacy for future generations. Everyone has probably had or at least read a copy of A Pagan Book Of Days. This book is both incredibly informative the tinge of both nostalgia as well as many modern contrivances to bury the past or discard it is felt in full. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wishes to learn more of AnglosSaxon ways and lifestyles and most importantly the secret Guilds and Houses which I believe in many cases had a lot of basis in Scotland originally. he goes through the old orders of the area and their known customs and how they originated and why. All of these different guilds were created by tradesmen in their particular crafts from cattle drivers [originally Scots] to horsemen, to masonry and on and each had their particular ceremonies and ways. The longest surviving being the Free Masons with the Scottish Rote level containing a wealth or history. The creators of these guilds were in a position where they could gather money for their work and called freemen of the medieval times when they were able to work their trade to do so. Most people were serfs then a small amount the lords. The plagues further created actual opportunity for people by wiping so many out their craft work was more appreciated and people were more willing to buy as they no longer had what would amount to slaves to get it free. the cattlemen and the horsemen are both fascinating groups as are the other guilds in their customs read on this subject.
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