In colonial America, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries, allegations of witchcraft were not uncommon. The town of Williamsburg, located in the colony of Virginia, was no exception to this phenomenon. Accusations of witchcraft in Williamsburg were often made in times of social unrest and fear, and were driven by a prevailing belief in the supernatural and the influence of the devil. The most famous case of alleged witchcraft in Williamsburg was that of Grace Sherwood in 1705. Sherwood, who lived on a small farm near the town, was accused by her neighbors of practicing witchcraft and causing harm to their crops and livestock. She was subjected to the infamous "swimming test" to determine her guilt, where she was thrown into a body of water and expected to sink if she was innocent or float if she was a witch.
She was subjected to the infamous "swimming test" to determine her guilt, where she was thrown into a body of water and expected to sink if she was innocent or float if she was a witch. Sherwood managed to swim and was subsequently imprisoned for seven years. This case is often cited as an example of the hysteria and fear that surrounded witchcraft in colonial America.
Grace Sherwood: The "Witch of Pungo"
On July 10, 1706, a forty-six-year-old Princess Anne County woman named Grace Sherwood faced an unusual legal procedure. Her hands were tied and she was about to be thrown from a boat into a river as a test to see if she was a witch. For several years neighbors talked of how the midwife, healer, and widowed mother of three had ruined crops, killed livestock, and conjured up storms. Then in January of 1706 Luke Hill formally accused Sherwood of witchcraft. The case passed from the county court to the attorney general of Virginia without any judgment.
ImageGrace Sherwood Court Trial
Finally, authorities in Princess Anne County ordered that the accused be "ducked" in consecrated water to determine her guilt or innocence. By this ordeal, if she sank she would be declared innocent, but if she floated her identity as a witch would be proven. A spot in the Lynnhaven River, off what is today known as Witchduck Point, was chosen, and Grace Sherwood was bound and thrown from a boat. She managed to untie herself and rise to the surface, proving to those present that she was a witch. As punishment for her crime, Grace Sherwood spent seven years in jail. After her release the so-called "witch of Pungo" returned to her home and lived peacefully until her death around the age of eighty.
On July 10, 2006, Gov. Tim Kaine restored Grace Sherwood's good name, three hundred years to the day since the "ducking" ordeal that condemned her for witchcraft. Learn more
Image Archibald Taylor letter about the Grace Sherwood trialLetter, 1832 October 1, written by Archibald Taylor, Belle Farm, Glucester County, Va., to Jonathan Peter Cushing, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, Va., concerning the manuscript of the Grace Sherwood trial. Princess Anne County Court records of the trial of Grace Sherwood. (VHS call number: Mss4 P9354 a 1)
Image Grace Sherwood trial page 1Copy made by J. J. Burroughs from the original in the courthouse of Princess Anne County, Va., 15 September 1832.
Records, 1706 January 3-July 10, of the Court of Princess Anne County, Va., concerning the trial of Grace Sherwood for witchcraft based on charges made by Luke Hill. Princess Anne County Court records of the trial of Grace Sherwood. (VHS call number: Mss4 P9354 a 1)
Copy made by J. J. Burroughs from the original in the courthouse of Princess Anne County, Va., 15 September 1832.
Records, 1706 January 3-July 10, of the Court of Princess Anne County, Va., concerning the trial of Grace Sherwood for witchcraft based on charges made by Luke Hill. Princess Anne County Court records of the trial of Grace Sherwood. (VHS call number: Mss4 P9354 a 1)
Copy made by J. J. Burroughs from the original in the courthouse of Princess Anne County, Va., 15 September 1832.
Records, 1706 January 3-July 10, of the Court of Princess Anne County, Va., concerning the trial of Grace Sherwood for witchcraft based on charges made by Luke Hill. Princess Anne County Court records of the trial of Grace Sherwood. (VHS call number: Mss4 P9354 a 1)
Copy made by J. J. Burroughs from the original in the courthouse of Princess Anne County, Va., 15 September 1832.
Records, 1706 January 3-July 10, of the Court of Princess Anne County, Va., concerning the trial of Grace Sherwood for witchcraft based on charges made by Luke Hill. Princess Anne County Court records of the trial of Grace Sherwood. (VHS call number: Mss4 P9354 a 1)
Copy made by J. J. Burroughs from the original in the courthouse of Princess Anne County, Va., 15 September 1832.
Records, 1706 January 3-July 10, of the Court of Princess Anne County, Va., concerning the trial of Grace Sherwood for witchcraft based on charges made by Luke Hill. Princess Anne County Court records of the trial of Grace Sherwood. (VHS call number: Mss4 P9354 a 1)
Copy made by J. J. Burroughs from the original in the courthouse of Princess Anne County, Va., 15 September 1832.
Records, 1706 January 3-July 10, of the Court of Princess Anne County, Va., concerning the trial of Grace Sherwood for witchcraft based on charges made by Luke Hill. Princess Anne County Court records of the trial of Grace Sherwood. (VHS call number: Mss4 P9354 a 1)
Copy made by J. J. Burroughs from the original in the courthouse of Princess Anne County, Va., 15 September 1832.
Records, 1706 January 3-July 10, of the Court of Princess Anne County, Va., concerning the trial of Grace Sherwood for witchcraft based on charges made by Luke Hill. Princess Anne County Court records of the trial of Grace Sherwood. (VHS call number: Mss4 P9354 a 1)
Copy made by J. J. Burroughs from the original in the courthouse of Princess Anne County, Va., 15 September 1832.
Records, 1706 January 3-July 10, of the Court of Princess Anne County, Va., concerning the trial of Grace Sherwood for witchcraft based on charges made by Luke Hill. Princess Anne County Court records of the trial of Grace Sherwood. (VHS call number: Mss4 P9354 a 1)
Another instance of alleged witchcraft in Williamsburg was the case of Mary Harris in 1748. Harris, an enslaved woman, was accused of bewitching her master's wife and causing her to fall ill. This accusation came at a time when slave uprisings and rebellions were a constant fear for the slave-owning population. Mary Harris was tried and found guilty of witchcraft, resulting in her being hanged in the public square as a warning to other enslaved individuals. These cases of alleged witchcraft in Williamsburg demonstrate the deep-rooted fears and anxieties that existed in colonial society. Accusations of witchcraft were often a way of explaining and rationalizing the unexplained or unfortunate events that occurred. They also served as a tool for social control, targeting individuals who were deemed as threats to the established order. While the accusations and trials for witchcraft in Williamsburg may seem absurd in modern times, they were deeply rooted in the cultural and religious beliefs of the period. The belief in the supernatural, the devil's influence, and the power of witches was prevalent, and these beliefs shaped the actions and attitudes of the colonial population. In conclusion, alleged cases of witchcraft in Williamsburg were a product of the social and cultural climate of colonial America. Fueled by fears, superstitions, and the desire for social control, accusations of witchcraft were common in times of unrest. While these cases may seem irrational and unjust in hindsight, they provide insight into the beliefs and fears of the colonial population and the influence of the supernatural in their lives..
Reviews for "The Influence of Puritanism on Alleged Witchcraft Trials in Williamsburg"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was really excited to visit the "Alleged witchcraft in Williamsburg" attraction, but I was ultimately disappointed. The whole experience felt forced and gimmicky. The actors didn't seem very committed to their roles and the storyline itself was weak. It felt more like a cheesy Halloween haunted house than anything educational or historically accurate. I wouldn't recommend this attraction to anyone looking for a genuine and informative experience.
2. John - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "Alleged witchcraft in Williamsburg," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The tour guide seemed disinterested and rushed through the information. The actors were mediocre and the whole immersive experience felt lacking. I expected a more in-depth exploration of the topic, but it felt more like a surface-level overview. Overall, it was a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to others unless they have a strong interest in witchcraft.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I had mixed feelings about the "Alleged witchcraft in Williamsburg" attraction. While the concept was intriguing, the execution fell short. The tour felt disjointed, lacking a clear narrative or structure. The actors seemed out of place and awkward, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the experience. Additionally, the price was quite steep for what was offered. If you're a die-hard fan of witchcraft and have money to spare, then maybe give it a try. Otherwise, I would suggest looking for a more engaging and well-planned attraction in the area.
4. Mark - 1 star
I found the "Alleged witchcraft in Williamsburg" attraction to be a complete waste of time and money. The whole experience was poorly organized and seemed more like a cash grab than a thoughtful historical exploration. The actors were unconvincing and the dialogue was stale. It felt like a rushed production with no attention to detail. I was hoping to learn something new about the history of witchcraft, but I left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied. Save your money and find something else to do in Williamsburg.