Halesworth and the Witch Trials of 1645
The Magickal Emporium, 1 Market Place, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 8BA
In August of 1645 during the height of the English Civil War, two men and six women from Halesworth and the surrounding area went on trial for witchcraft at Bury St Edmunds along with as many as 150 other “witches”. Most of these witches were ordinary everyday people.
Many believe the exposure of these “witches” was largely down to the work of Matthew Hopkins the self proclaimed “Witch finder-General”..
To our modern eyes the accusations seem bizarre and unbelievable. How could such a thing happen on the scale it did, why did it happen, how did Hopkins find “witches” and who was really responsible?
Local historian David Wollweber is in the process of writing a book about the subject and curated the display on the topic which you can see at the Halesworth and District Museum where David is the Chair.
The Magickal Emporium, 1 Market Place, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 8BA
Steps from the street into the Emporium, and within. Toilets are available in the Market Place (50m). Car parking available in Market Place (limited but free), or in Council car parks off Angel Link and Saxons Way (more space, but paid). Plenty of cafes and bars on Thoroughfare.