ABOUT THIS EPISODE
We travel to Colchester, England, the first Roman capital of Britain, to get a taste of the history of Colchester Castle, including its role in the Seven County Witch Trials led by “Witchfinder General” Matthew Hopkins from 1645 to 1647.
Ben Paites, senior curator of Colchester Museums, tells us how the museums confront the witch trials and other history of the long-inhabited castle with artifacts, community collaboration, and interpretation. We discuss the importance of highlighting the humanity of those who really suffered due to witchcraft accusations.
Ben guides us through the museum, telling us about objects like witch bottles and a ducking stool. He also traces Colchester’s deep past from the Bronze Age to Roman industry, highlights local witch trial cases and victims such as Elizabeth Clarke, Anne and Rebecca West, and Ursula Kemp, and previews upcoming jail-cell redevelopment.
00:00 Welcome to Colchester
01:12 Meet Curator Ben
03:00 Colchester Through Ages
07:24 Inside Castle Museums
09:19 Artifacts Tell Stories
11:37 Wicked Spirits Exhibit
15:24 Witch Bottles and Tests
19:55 Matthew Hopkins Arrives
23:28 Touring Cells and Vaults
26:53 Local Accused and Victims
36:24 Pamphlets and Familiars
41:30 Visit and Future Plans
43:43 Where to Follow Ben
45:27 Closing Thoughts
Links:
Colchester Museums: https://colchester.cimuseums.org.uk/
Ben Paites: https://www.benpaites.uk/
Witchland by Marion Gibson: https://bookshop.org/a/90227/9781668206539
Salem Witch-Hunt Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/salemwitchhunt
Salem Witch Trials History YouTube: https://youtube.com/@aboutwitchhunts
The Thing About the Salem Witch Trials: https://aboutsalem.com
Salem Witch Trials Daily: https://aboutsalem.com/salem-witch-trials-daily/
The Thing About Witch Hunts: https://aboutwitchhunts.com
Bernard Rosenthal, ed., Records of the Salem Witch-Hunt: https://bookshop.org/a/90227/9781107689619
