Cry Witch in Williamsburg: In the small town of Williamsburg, rumors started to circulate about witchcraft and unholy activities taking place within the community. This was during the early colonial period, where superstitions and fear of the unknown were prevalent. The town's residents were quick to point fingers and accuse certain individuals of practicing witchcraft. The accusations began when a few teenage girls started exhibiting strange behaviors, such as fits, convulsions, and unexplained illnesses. The townspeople attributed these symptoms to witchcraft, as they believed that witches had the power to inflict harm on others through supernatural means. The girls accused several individuals, mainly women, of being witches and causing their afflictions.
The girls accused several individuals, mainly women, of being witches and causing their afflictions. These accusations spread like wildfire, and soon, fear and paranoia gripped the entire town. The accused individuals found themselves at the center of a witch hunt, facing public scrutiny, humiliation, and potential punishment.
Cry Witch at Colonial Williamsburg
The polished wood gleams in the glow of flickering candles. It’s nighttime, and little moonlight breaks through the circular window panes in their cream-colored frames.
Several dozen visitors have gathered in the courtroom of Colonial Williamsburg‘s red-brick Capitol building to serve as the jury in a recreated trial of Grace Sherwood, the “Virginia witch”. In the dimness, their 21st-century garb is slightly shrouded, and the atmosphere seems at least a little like 1706.
A midwife who sometimes sported pants, Mrs. Sherwood did not remarry after her husband’s death in 1701. She was tried several times on charges like bewitching her neighbors’ crops. Then in 1706, a local farmer named Luke Hill accused the 46-year-old of practicing witchcraft and thus causing his wife to miscarry. On July 10 of that year, Mrs. Sherwood’s hands were tied, and she was thrown from a boat into the Lynnhaven River. Able to swim, Mrs. Sherwood untied her hands and rose to the surface — thus proving that she was a witch. (Drowning would have established her innocence.) Court records indicate that she spent seven or eight years in gaol as punishment.
Colonial Williamsburg’s mock trial takes place after this water test. Because she’s charged with a capital crime, the trial takes place in the Capitol, presided over by the Royal Governor. Her water test failure is presented as evidence of her guilt, as is the statement that her devil’s marks (birthmarks) did not bleed when punctured and testimony that she never takes Communion. Mr. Hill testifies that, after Mrs. Sherwood visited his farm, his “pigs began to act peculiar-like and die”.
Unfortunately for Mrs. Sherwood, defendants cannot be sworn, and anything she says in her own defense cannot be counted as evidence. On the other hand, there is no protection from self-incrimination. There is neither the presumption of innocence nor the recognition of the (derived) right to face one’s accuser. When the prosecutor declares that Mrs. Hill, appearing as a witness, is “afraid to be in the same room as the witch”, the Governor-judge directs Mrs. Sherwood not to look at Mrs. Hill and assures the witness that God will protect her.
Despite the fact that this trial mocked fundamental principles of Western justice, natural science, and common sense, Mrs. Sherwood was convicted 44-13 by the jury and sentenced to hang. (Your humble blogger was among the 13.) According to a CW guide, juries convict Mrs. Sherwood in about 80 percent of the mock trials. She is, however, entitled to appeal to the Governor.
In real life, history suggests that Mrs. Sherwood returned to her farm after serving her time in gaol and lived there until her death c. 1740. England’s last law against witchcraft was repealed in 1951.
On July 10, 2006, Governor Tim Kaine informally pardoned Mrs. Sherwood.
I fell in love with travel on a trip to Mexico when I was nine years old. Since then, I’ve travelled the globe from Israel to El Salvador. I’ve skied the Swiss Alps and hiked national parks like Acadia, Zion, Shenandoah, and Virgin Islands. I’ve marvelled at masterpieces in the Prado, the Uffizi, the Huntington, and the National Gallery of Art. I’ve stayed in a cabin on a mountaintop in Norway and on a kibbutz along the Sea of Galilee, and been kicked out of the Ritz at the Place Vendôme. I’ve taken cooking classes from New England to the Caribbean, and watched a chef prepare traditional shakshuka in the kitchen of his restaurant in Tel Aviv. I weave historical research and my personal experiences together in writing this blog. I hope you find it helpful. Read more …
Queen's Attorney: I have no further questions for this witness at this time, your Excellency.
The trials that followed were far from fair and just. The accused were presumed guilty from the start, with the burden of proving their innocence placed upon them. Unsubstantiated testimonies and spectral evidence were used to condemn them, with little regard for due process or the principles of natural justice. It was a dark and tumultuous time in Williamsburg's history. Those accused of witchcraft endured confinement, physical abuse, and the constant fear of execution. Many innocent lives were lost during this period, victims of mass hysteria and religious fervor. While eventually, the witch trials came to an end, the scars left behind were deep and long-lasting. The events of Cry Witch in Williamsburg serve as a reminder of the dangers of fear, prejudice, and the consequences of unchecked power. Today, Williamsburg has become a symbol of reflection and remembrance, honoring those who lost their lives during the hysteria of the witch trials. The town has learned from its past and strives to promote tolerance, understanding, and the importance of justice for all. The Cry Witch in Williamsburg remains a haunting chapter in the history of this small town. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of succumbing to fear and allowing it to dictate our actions..
Reviews for "The Evolution of Witchcraft Trials in Williamsburg: From Suspicion to Accusation"
1. John - 2/5: I was really excited to visit "Cry Witch Williamsburg" as a fan of historical tours. However, I was ultimately disappointed with the experience. The tour felt disorganized and lacked informative content. The actors seemed more interested in performing theatrical scenes rather than providing educational information about witch trials in Williamsburg. Additionally, the tour was overcrowded, which made it difficult to hear the actors or see the scenes clearly. Overall, I had high expectations for the tour but left feeling unsatisfied.
2. Sarah - 1/5: I would not recommend "Cry Witch Williamsburg" to anyone. The entire experience felt like a waste of time and money. The tour lacked any real substance and relied heavily on cheesy and exaggerated acting. I expected to learn about the history of witch trials in Williamsburg, but instead, I was subjected to what felt like a poorly-executed Halloween attraction. The tour did not live up to its advertised promise of being informative and engaging. Save your money and look for better historical tours in Williamsburg.
3. Sam - 2/5: As someone who appreciates the historical significance of witch trials, I had high hopes for "Cry Witch Williamsburg." Unfortunately, the tour fell short of my expectations. The performance was more focused on dramatic reenactment rather than providing accurate historical information. While the actors' dedication to their roles was admirable, it resulted in a lack of clarity and coherence in the narrative. Additionally, the tour felt rushed, and there were instances where the group was pushed through different scenes without having the opportunity to fully understand what was happening. Overall, "Cry Witch Williamsburg" left me feeling underwhelmed and wishing for a more educational experience.
4. Emily - 2/5: I found "Cry Witch Williamsburg" to be quite disappointing. The tour felt more like a low-budget theater production rather than an educational experience. The exaggerated acting and scripted dialogue took away from the authenticity I was hoping for. Moreover, there were several technical difficulties during the performance, such as audio issues and malfunctioning props, which further detracted from the overall experience. While the concept of exploring witch trials in Williamsburg is intriguing, I believe this tour failed to deliver a quality and engaging experience.
5. Michael - 3/5: While "Cry Witch Williamsburg" had its flaws, it wasn't a complete disappointment. The actors did their best to create an immersive experience, but the overall execution fell short. The tour lacked a clear structure and narrative, making it difficult to follow along and truly engage with the historical context. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with some scenes feeling rushed while others dragged on. With some improvements to the script and direction, "Cry Witch Williamsburg" could have the potential to be a more enjoyable and educational experience.