Witch towns, also known as witchcraft towns, are places that have a historical association with witches and witchcraft. These towns often attract tourists and visitors who are interested in the occult and the history of witchcraft. One famous witch town is Salem in Massachusetts, USA. Salem is known for the Salem witch trials that took place in the late 17th century. These trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft. The events in Salem have since become infamous and the town has capitalized on its witchcraft history to attract tourists.
Salem Witch Trials
"[He] owned to the grand Inquest that the above written Confession was taken from his mouth and that he had [said] it, but he [said] he belyed himselfe, he also [said]…he knew he should dye for it whether he ownd it or no."
-From Samuel Wardwell’s recantation of his forced confession
"My opinion is they are in a sad condition."
-Wilmot Redd
"I am an innocent person: I never had to do with Witchcraft since I was born. I am a Gospel Woman."
-Martha Corey
"I never did hurt them.
It is your appearance hurts them, they charge you; tell us what you have done.
I have done nothing to damage them."
-From the Examination of Giles Corey
"The innocency of our Case with the Enmity of our Accusers and our Judges, and Jury, whom nothing but our Innocent Blood will serve their turn, having Condemned us already before our Tryals, being so much incensed and engaged against us by the Devil, makes us bold to Beg and Implore your Favourable Assistance of this our Humble Petition to his Excellency, That if it be possible our Innocent Blood may be spared, which undoubtedly otherwise will be shed, if the Lord doth not mercifully step in."
-John Proctor
"I know nothing of it. I am innocent to a Witch. I know not what a Witch is."
-Bridget Bishop
"Mary Warren Charges you with Several acts off witchcraft; what Say you to it Guilty or not Guilty
I am not Guilty.
You told her this day you cast away Thomas Westgate
I know nothing of it
You told her John [Lapthons] was [lost] in [illegible]
I never spoke a word to her in my Life."
-From the Examination of Alice Parker
"Dear Child, it is not so. There is another judgement, dear child."
-Elizabeth Proctor
"…I would humbly begg [sic] of yo'r honours to Take it into your Judicious and Pious consideratio[n] That my life may not be taken away by such false Evidence and wittnesses [sic] as these be…"
-Ann Pudeator
"[Sir] I cannot confess that which I do not know."
-John Willard
". and the petition'r having lived from his childhood under the Same roofe w'th his said Mother he dare presume to affirme that he never saw nor knew any Evill nor Sinfull practice wherein there was any Show of Impiety nor witchcraft by her"
- from Petition of Thomas Hart, son of Elizabeth Hart
"I am as clear as the child unborn."
-Rebecca Nurse
". my Wife declared to the Justices, that she never had any knowledge of them before that day; she was forced to stand with her Arms stretched out. I did request that I might hold one of her hands, but it was denied me; then she desired me to wipe the Tears from her Eyes, and the Sweat from her Face, which I did; then she desired she might lean her self on me, saying, she should faint."
- Nathaniel Cary, husband of Elizabeth Cary
The events in Salem have since become infamous and the town has capitalized on its witchcraft history to attract tourists. Another witch town is Whitby in England. Whitby is known for its association with Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula" and its connections to witches.
Not Just Salem
While the hysteria had it's roots in Salem Village and Salem Town, more and more villages and towns became "afflicted" as time went on:
Amesbury- 1 accused & executed (Susannah Martin)
Andover (now North Andover)- 40 accused, 3 executed (Martha Carrier, Mary Parker, Samuel Wardwell)
Beverly- 6 accused
Billerica- at least 4 accused
Boxford- 3 accused
Gloucester- 17 accused
Haverhill- 5 accused
Ipswich- 7 accused
Lynn- 8 accused
Malden- 3 accused
Marblehead- 1 accused & executed (Wilmot Redd)
Peabody (part of Salem Town in 1692)- 5 accused, 3 executed (Giles & Martha Corey, John Proctor)
Reading- 6 accused
Rowley- 5 accused, 1 executed (Margaret Scott)
Salem Town (now Salem)- many accused, 4 executed (Bridget Bishop, Alice Parker, Ann Pudeator, John Willard)
Salem Village (now Danvers)- many accused, 3 executed (Sarah Good, George Jacobs, Sr., Rebecca Nurse)
Salisbury- 1 accused
Topsfield- 6 accused, 3 executed (Mary Easty, Sarah Wildes, Elizabeth Howe)
Wenham- 1 accused
Image Credit:
Map of Salem Village, 1692
(click on map for full-size image)
A guidebook that reveals the true story of the Salem witch trials and describes more than fifty important sites you can visit today.
Visit the World's Most Bewitching Seaport
Salem, Massachusetts is home to a world of enchantment, history, and culture found nowhere else on Earth. Follow the narrow streets of the Witch City and discover unique shops, award-winning restaurants, haunting and historic sites, and a world-class art museum. Travel through time as you tour the city’s charming Colonial and Federalist architecture, explore our rich maritime heritage or learn about the infamous Witch Trials of 1692.
The town has a long history of witchcraft, and it is said to have been a gathering place for witches during the medieval times. These witch towns often have museums, tours, and other attractions related to witchcraft. They may also have local legends and folklore surrounding witches and witchcraft. These towns have become popular among those interested in the occult and witchcraft, as well as history enthusiasts. In addition to Salem and Whitby, there are other witch towns around the world. For example, Triora in Italy is known as the "village of witches" due to its history of witchcraft trials in the 16th century. The town now embraces its witchcraft history and offers tours and attractions related to witches. Witch towns can be controversial, as the history of witch trials and persecution is often a dark and painful one. Some argue that the commercialization of witchcraft in these towns trivializes the suffering of those accused of witchcraft in the past. However, others see it as a way to educate and remember this history. Overall, witch towns are fascinating places that offer insights into the history and lore of witchcraft. They attract visitors who are interested in the occult and provide a unique experience for those seeking to learn more about witches and witchcraft..
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