Podcast Episode 4 (Witchcraft - The Last Executions) out now!
- themysteriesofhistory
- May 28
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 8
Click here to listen to this podcast episode.
The tales of witchcraft and persecution often evoke images of fog-laden moors, flickering flames, and whispered incantations. For many, the subject remains cloaked in mystery and fear, capturing the imagination through books, films, and folklore. However, few are aware that the last witch executions in the UK occurred relatively recently, during the 18th century, almost a century after the infamous witch hunts of Europe. In this blog post and Podcast Episode 4 (Witchcraft - The Last Executions) , we will explore the untold stories, the cultural climate of the time, and the lingering shadow of these tragic events.
Historical Background: The Rise of Witch Hunts
The fervor surrounding witch hunts sprang from a complex tapestry of social, religious, and political factors. From the late Middle Ages through the early 18th century, witchcraft accusations peaked, spurred on by fear of the unknown, societal upheaval, and puritanical ideologies.
Between the 16th and 18th centuries, Europe was embroiled in religious conflicts and superstitious beliefs that made thousands vulnerable to accusations. The infamous Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches), published in 1487, fueled unrelenting witch-hunting zeal, influencing both Continental Europe and the UK. However, as Enlightenment ideas began to spread in the 17th and 18th centuries, the grip of superstition loosened and skepticism grew.
Yet, the darkest chapters had yet to be written, as the last executions revealed a tragic end to a long cycle of fear and persecution.
Matthew Hopkins: Witchfinder General
Infamous, yet efficient in his work, the name and reputation of Matthew Hopkins struck fear into the communities of mainly East Anglia, UK.
Witchcraft - The Last Executions
The Case of Janet Horne: Britain's Last Witch
In 1727, the tale of Janet Horne emerged, marking the tragic finale of witchcraft executions in Scotland. An elderly woman from the small village of Dornoch, Janet was accused of witchcraft amid a backdrop of fear and suspicion. Her fate was sealed by the testimony of villagers who claimed she had possessed the power to transform her daughter into a “penny” - a term used for a mystical creature in Scottish folklore.
Despite Janet's pleas of innocence, the court found her guilty, and she met a gruesome end as a result of this conviction. Outraged by the injustice yet again perpetuated by worldviews steeped in fear, the event catalyzed a stronger pushback against witch hunts and an eventual legislative shift.
The tragedy of Janet Horne serves as a somber reminder that the realms of fear could lead even the most vulnerable to face heinous judgments.
The Last Execution in England: Mary and Elizabeth Hicks
South of the border, Mary and Elizabeth Hicks' tale illuminated the last witch executions in England in 1716. While the infamous Pendle Witch Trials had left an indelible mark several decades earlier, this case presented a uniquely devastating turn.
Accused of bewitching her own daughter and training her in the dark arts, Mary was also accused of using Elizabeth as a familiar. Turned in by her own husband, Mary stood no chance. Conviction of course hinged upon dubious evidence and sensationalist testimonies. Mary and her 9 year old daughter were executed by hanging. Mary and Elizabeth's story is not just an account of two lives lost but a representation of how societal paranoia and ignorance perpetuated violence against innocents.
This haunting historical episode reminds us to examine our perceptions of the unknown and how scapegoating often leads to tragic consequences.
The Changing Tide: How Society Reformed Its Views
As the 18th century advanced, legislative and societal attitudes began to change. The last vestiges of witch hunts began to fade as Enlightenment thinking gained traction. This shift hastened legal reforms that dismissed witch trials as unjust and baseless.
In 1736, the Witchcraft Act was repealed in England, declaring that witchcraft accusations were unsound and established that practitioners were merely tricksters rather than possessors of supernatural powers. This marked a significant turning point in legal systems, progressively moving toward secular and rational governance.
Understanding this pivot in cultural consciousness provides valuable insights into how society reconciled its dark history with a more rational worldview, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and compassion.
20th Century Witches?
In 1944, Helen Duncan was one of the last people convicted under the Witchcraft Act 1735 , which made falsely claiming to procure spirits a crime. She was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment. When convicted, she cried out "I have done nothing; is there a God?"
During World War II, in November 1941, Duncan held a séance in Portsmouth at which she claimed the spirit of a sailor told her HMS Barham had been sunk. Because the sinking of HMS Barham was revealed, in strict confidence, only to the relatives of casualties, and not announced to the public until late January 1942, the Navy became suspicious. A few years later, two lieutenants were among her audience at a séance on 14 January 1944. Disgusted by the séance and its showboating, one of the lieutenants reported it to the police. This was followed up on 19 January, when undercover policemen arrested her at another séance as a white-shrouded manifestation appeared. This proved to be Duncan herself, in a white cloth which she attempted to conceal when discovered, and she was arrested.
It is now believed that although the sinking of HMS Barham was kept in confidence, family members of the deceased were sent letters of condolence and a leak amongst family memebers is likely to have occured. Historians believe that Duncan simply gained this knowledge but used it to her advantage in her dramatic séances.
Legacy of Fear: The Impact on Modern Society
The legacy of these witch executions continues to reverberate through modern society. The wrongful persecution and execution of those accused of witchcraft came to symbolize the dangers of fear-driven justice systems and societal scapegoating.
Today, we bear witness to contemporary witch hunts in various forms, often targeting marginalized individuals through networks of paranoia and unfounded accusations. Whether it be misinformation campaigns or social media sensationalism, the shadows from our past serve as a cautionary tale for future generations.
As we delve into the annals of history, it becomes clear that the witch trials serve not just as tales of horror but as powerful reminders of the significance of empathy, understanding, and justice.
Conclusion: Remembering the Shadows
The last witch executions in the UK mark the end of a dark epoch in history, yet the stories of Janet Horne and Mary and Elizabeth Hicks illuminate the profound injustice that unfolded during those tumultuous times. They beckon us to reflect on how fear and ignorance can culminate in tragedy.
Moreover, these tales invite us to consider how we respond to the unknown in our own lives. Will we choose to remain steadfast in our empathy, or allow fear to cloud our judgment?
As we uncover these fascinating untold stories, let us carry forward the lessons learned from the shadows of the past and commit ourselves to a more compassionate future.
Through the lens of history, we find the courage to confront the specters of discrimination and prejudice that still haunt society. Together, we can illuminate the path towards understanding—one that respects the dignity of every individual, in the light of the truths we’ve unearthed.
Further reading
I mentioned the Bideford executions in Devon in 1682 in the podcast. They are regarded as some of the last executions for witchcraft in the UK. The book, 'The Last Witches of England: A Tragedy of Sorcery and Superstition' by John Callow is a well researched book that describes in detail the farce and unfair way in which the 3 assused women were treated. You really get a sense of the mindset at the time of all the people involved. Click here, or the link above to find this book for sale on Amazon now.
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