The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. The trials resulted in the executions of twenty people, fourteen of them women, and five men. One man, Giles Corey, was pressed to death for refusing to plead, and at least four people died in jail. The events that led to the trials began in late January 1692 when two young girls, Betty Parris and Abigail Williams, began experiencing fits and convulsions that doctors were unable to explain. The girls blamed their suffering on witchcraft, which set off a panic in the community. The first trial occurred on March 1, 1692, and the accused, Bridget Bishop, was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging.
The first trial occurred on March 1, 1692, and the accused, Bridget Bishop, was found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging. Over the following months, many more people were accused and arrested for allegedly practicing witchcraft or being associated with witches. The trials relied heavily on spectral evidence, which was the testimony of the afflicted girls who claimed to see the apparitions of the accused tormenting them.
Virtually Explore a Forest Filled With Witches’ Marks and Other Tree Etchings
England’s New Forest is home to trees that bear the marks of more than 500 years of human activity. Known as arborglyphs, the etchings range from charms against evil that may have been carved during Shakespeare’s time to much more recent initials and dates.
Visitors from around the world can now explore the glen virtually via a free digital display, including an interactive map showing where specific carvings were found, reports BBC News.
One common type of graffiti seen in the forest is the “King’s Mark,” an arrowhead-shaped symbol used by the Royal Navy to identify beeches and oaks slated for use in shipbuilding. Some of the trees bearing the sign were spared from the ax after Great Britain shifted to using iron and steel for its warships in the early 19th century. Other carvings show eagles, boats, houses and faces.
A number of trees display concentric circles identified as “witches’ marks.” Per Historic England, the signs were probably intended to ward off evil spirits. Researchers have found witches’ marks—which often take the form of double “VV” carvings—at locations all over the country, including caves, barns, churches and inns. Most were made between the 16th and early 19th centuries.
An arrowhead shape known as the "King's Mark" may have earmarked this tree for harvest by the Royal Navy. New Forest National Park Authority
Covering more than 200 square miles in southern England’s Hampshire, Wiltshire and Dorset counties, the New Forest National Park encompasses forests, wetlands, villages, grazing land and tourist attractions. Its history dates back to the years after the Norman Conquest, when William I declared the land a royal forest and used it as a private hunting ground for his family and guests.
Two of William’s sons, as well as one grandson, later died in the forest. As the New Forest Commoner notes, the incidents may have simply been hunting accidents—but a more sinister explanation posits that the deaths served as “divine retribution” for the royal family’s harsh treatment of locals.
To create the online portal, the New Forest National Park Authority asked visitors to send in photos of tree etchings found in the forest. The group has now digitized dozens of the marks.
“While they were known about, they have never been put online or properly recorded,” community archaeologist Hilde van der Heul tells BBC News. “It’s interesting to see how people connected with the natural landscape.”
Those connections continued into the 20th and 21st centuries. Per the Guardian’s Steven Morris, some markings date to World War II, when Americans were stationed at a nearby base. One such carving reads “HD, USA, 1944.” Another particularly decorative etching lies deep in the forest, partly covered by lichen; it recalls the “Summer of Love 1967.”
To create the online portal, the New Forest National Park Authority asked visitors to send in photos of tree etchings found in the forest. The group has now digitized dozens of the marks.
This type of evidence was highly controversial, as it had no physical proof and was essentially based on the word of the accusers. As the hysteria grew, accusations spread across the community, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of numerous individuals. Most of those accused were women, particularly those who were seen as social outcasts or who had a history of conflict with their neighbors. The trials came to an end when the Governor of Massachusetts, William Phips, banned the use of spectral evidence in the courts. This decision, along with the declining support for the trials, led to the release of those still in jail and the cessation of further executions. The Salem witch trials remain a dark chapter in American history, characterized by fear, paranoia, and the violation of basic rights. They serve as a reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of a fair and just legal system..
Reviews for "Explore the Dark History of the Slem Witch Trials With This Quizket"
1. Amanda - 1 star - I found the "Slem Witch Trial Quizket" to be extremely disappointing. The questions were poorly constructed and had little relevance to the topic at hand. It felt like a cheap attempt to cash in on the popularity of witch trials without providing any meaningful information or engaging gameplay. The interface was clunky and difficult to navigate, further adding to my frustration. Overall, I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this quiz game.
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3. Sarah - 1 star - As an avid fan of witch trials and historical quizzes, I was extremely disappointed with the "Slem Witch Trial Quizket." The questions were riddled with factual errors and inaccuracies, making it evident that little research went into creating this quiz. The lack of attention to detail severely impacted my enjoyment of the game. Furthermore, the interface was clunky and unattractive, causing frustration and difficulty during gameplay. Overall, I would not recommend this quiz to anyone looking for an accurate and engaging witch trials experience.