In the small village of Hallowton, nestled deep within the dense forest, there is a burial ground like none other. Legend has it that this burial ground was brought up by a witch who resided in the area centuries ago. This dark and mysterious place holds a secret that has intrigued both locals and visitors alike. The burial ground is a sprawling expanse, covered with overgrown weeds and moss-covered tombstones. It is said that the witch used her magical powers to summon the spirits of the dead, forcing them to rise from their graves and wander the earth eternally. The eerie atmosphere of the burial ground is palpable, with whispers of the departed echoing through the stillness of the night.
Since visiting Meg’s grave, I have been searching for other examples of so-called witches being buried in English churchyards. It has not been a particularly fruitful search, although I found some accounts of a witch buried in Brampton, Cumbria, in 1817. Lizzie O’Branton, sometimes called Lizzie Batty or Baty, lived close to the village of Brampton and “acted in a peculiar manner, dressed curiously, and generally ‘acted the part,’ with the consequence that she was credited with many supernatural powers.” (Bygone Westmorland and Cumberland, p141) It seems that Lizzie was only referred to as a witch after her death – in her lifetime, she was known as a wise woman, despite her eccentricities. After her death it would appear that stories about her were retold and embellished – there is even a “cursed” tea set associated with her.
The burial is thought to date from the Middle Ages, and she was found to have been buried face down, leading to widespread media coverage describing her as a witch girl. When one mentions Lancashire and witches in the same sentence, the first thing that comes to mind is the tragic tale of the Pendle witches, one of the most famous cases from the hysterical witch hunts of the 17th Century.
The eerie atmosphere of the burial ground is palpable, with whispers of the departed echoing through the stillness of the night. Locals claim that those who dare to enter the burial ground after sunset will be plagued by nightmares and inexplicable occurrences. The spirits are said to be vengeful and restless, seeking to torment anyone who disturbs their eternal slumber.
York Witch Grave
The Old Burying Yard of York, Maine, dates back to the 17th century. It’s small, sparsely tombstoned, and surrounded by a low stone wall that sits peacefully in a shady spot among the historic buildings of the Old York area of town. Average as graveyards go, this one has a special tenant. Inside that graveyard is the grave of a witch.
Mary Nasson died on August 18, 1774. To memorialize her, her husband Samuel had an image of her carved on the crown of the gravestone. It depicts Mary, or at least her upper half, as a loosely berobed woman with bugged eyes, a thin nose, a slightly upturned mouth, and a humped hairdo that looks like two skeins of yarn.
There’s nothing accidentally evil in the image’s expression, nor has natural wear unpleasantly distorted her face. And the flowing script of her epitaph merely states that she was a loving mother and wife, and that the husband looks forward to when his dust can “mingle” with hers.
Nevertheless, the people of York say she’s a witch, a legend that popped up decades after Nasson’s death. The legend arose because weighing down the sod of her grave is a granite slab, which, according to the later lore, was laid down as an attempt to keep Nasson from rising from it.
Of course, these types of stones are pretty common in old New England graves and were used to keep pigs and cattle away. Other graves in the Old Burying Ground probably had them as well, but over time they disappeared, probably recycled for building materials, including the wall of the cemetery itself.
The information sign on the wall of the cemetery lists the usual gamut of historical facts for the place, and even reiterates the legend of the witch’s grave—and also includes the real reason why the slab was likely installed.
It’s impossible to know for certain exactly who Meg was, but it is generally believed that she originally came from the village of Singleton, and later took up residence near Woodplumpton. There are a number of tales about her, most of which involve her shape shifting in order to steal food or cause mischief. By all reports, she died rather a grisly death; crushed against a wall by a barrel. Was this an accident, murder, or one of her own devious plots gone wrong?
Many have reported hearing voices beckoning them, urging them to join the realm of the dead. However, there are those who believe that the witch's burial ground holds a deeper, more benevolent power. They believe that the restless spirits have the ability to grant wishes and offer guidance to those who approach them with reverence and respect. These individuals have ventured into the burial ground, armed with offerings of flowers and prayers, seeking solace and enlightenment from the spirits within. Despite the myths and legends surrounding the burial ground, it continues to fascinate and captivate the curious souls who come across its existence. People from far and wide make the pilgrimage to Hallowton, drawn by the allure of the supernatural. Some come seeking answers to life's mysteries, while others come hoping to connect with lost loved ones. The burial ground brought up by the witch remains a testament to the enduring power of folklore and the human fascination with the unknown. It serves as a reminder that there is still so much we do not understand about the world we inhabit. Whether the spirits within the burial ground are malevolent or benevolent, one thing is certain - they hold a piece of the witch's mystical legacy, forever intertwining the realms of the living and the dead..
Reviews for "The eerie energy of a witch's enchanted burial ground"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I found "From a burial ground brought up by a witch" to be extremely slow-paced and lacking in any real excitement. The story seemed to drag on with too much unnecessary description and not enough action. The characters were flat and uninteresting, and I struggled to find any connection with them. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and underwhelmed by this book.
2. John - 3 stars
While "From a burial ground brought up by a witch" had an intriguing premise, I felt that the execution fell short. The plot had potential, but it lacked depth and failed to fully engage me. The writing style felt disjointed at times, making it difficult to follow the story. Additionally, I found the dialogue to be unrealistic and forced. Overall, I was left wanting more from this book and felt it didn't live up to my expectations.
3. Emily - 2.5 stars
"From a burial ground brought up by a witch" had an interesting concept, but unfortunately, it failed to deliver for me. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of slow and uneventful scenes followed by rushed and confusing moments. The characters lacked development and I struggled to connect with any of them. The ending felt abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving me with more questions than answers. Overall, I was left feeling disappointed and unfortunately, this book didn't quite meet my expectations.