Back to results

Walking With Witches

St Peter's Church, Hallaton Road, Horninghold, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8DH

  • 19 Sep 2026
  • | In person
  • | Pre-booking not required
  • | Other / Multiple

Come to St Peter’s Church in Horninghold to discover how four villagers came to be accused of being witches and were put through the swimming test, as made famous by Matthew Hopkins the Witchfinder General.

You will follow a trail which will take you back to the Whitsun festivities of June 1709. You will first meet the eccentric and irascible vicar, the Rev. Humphrey Michel. He is our witness to what took place. You will find out more about Whitsun and how it was celebrated in rural areas.

You will then hunt down each of the four victims who were accused of witchcraft. Once you find out where they are hiding, you will learn about their story and what they went through in the ordeal of the swimming test.

Finally, if you’re feeling brave, join a guided Witch Walk to the Dungeon Pit at Blaston, the scene of the swimming trials.

You will be able to purchase copies of the new publication The Horninghold Witch Trials, an illustrated 40 page in-depth historical account of the events, priced at £5 cash.

Also on the day:
> Visit our exhibition on the carvings in and around the church.
> Discover more about the recent restoration of the chancel and porch roofs, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
> Buy a copy of the new Horninghold Church Guide.
> Take part in the Churchyard Trail, finding answers to questions about the church and its graves.
> Enjoy refreshments: tea, coffee, soft drinks, cakes etc.
> Join a walk around the village on the Horninghold Village Trail and get a copy of the trail booklet.


This event was supported by leading family history website, Findmypast, who provided access to their records as part of their sponsorship of ‘Everyday Histories’, the festival theme. Discover your ancestors' stories at findmypast.co.uk

Timings

Saturday 19 September:
11:00-16:00

Location & directions

St Peter's Church, Hallaton Road, Horninghold, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 8DH

Directions:
The church is at the junction with East Norton Road where there is parking.
Contact on day:
Martin Smith
Telephone number:
+447787554894

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

There is a sloped gravel path access to the church and areas of the churchyard and church are uneven.

Additional information

This event is part of Leicestershire New Wave, encouraging younger people, aged 18-30, to attend Heritage Open Days.

Check out our online channels

Back to results