The Witch of Saratoga refers to the legend of Jane McCrea, a young woman who was killed during the American Revolutionary War in July 1777 in the Saratoga region of New York. The story of the Witch of Saratoga has become a popular tale in American folklore, often portrayed as a tragic and supernatural event. According to the legend, Jane McCrea was engaged to a British officer named David Jones, who was fighting for the British Army during the war. At the time, the region was heavily contested between the British and American forces, with both sides vying for control. One day, Jane set out to meet David, but she was captured by a group of Native American warriors allied with the British. The warriors were part of the Iroquois Confederacy, and they were known for their brutal tactics.
In the story about Mr. Crabb, Stone provides an exhaustive list of ailments the old astrologer professed to cure. This list, presented as a direct quote from Mr. Crabb, was actually a plagiarized passage from John Milton's Paradise Lost—which goes a long way to explaining how a poor swamp-dweller who can't read or write can produce an eloquent line like “moping melancholy and moon-struck madness.”
According to a news article in 1940, she had a score of cats and it was felt by the local public that she was a sorceress and conversed with the spirits of darkness. While descending from the mountain, they found a skeleton lodged between some rocks and assumed the man had killed himself by jumping from the summit.
The warriors were part of the Iroquois Confederacy, and they were known for their brutal tactics. It is said that they were led by a Mohawk chieftain named Joseph Brant. Instead of taking Jane to meet David, the warriors argued over who would claim her as a prize.
Witch of Saratoga, Northampton’s Forgotten Magickal Emigrant
Northamptonshire has long been a hotbed of ‘witchcraft’ and the associated persecution.
The most infamous example being the Northamptonshire Witch Trials of 1612, which saw five people executed following a public dunking.
The county also claims the dubious distinction of being the last place in England to execute witches.
On 17 March 1705, Elinor Shaw and Mary Phillips were hanged, then burned before they were completely dead.
Northamptonshire’s ‘witches’ were even found in the New World.
A Northampton man stood accused of witchcraft during the notorious Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
He was killed by ‘pressing’ after refusing to confess.
But perhaps the County’s most overlooked magickal emigrant is Angeline Tubbs, the so-called Witch of Saratoga.
In America, she is legendary – her reputation fuelled by ghost vigils and fireside tales.
Yet in England hardly anyone remembers her name.
Her story began in a rural English backwater.
Origins of the Witch of Saratoga
Angeline was born in 1761 at the The Star and Garter Inn in the village of Watford, Northamptonshire, where her parents were landlords.
The Star and Garter Inn in Northamptonshire, where Angeline Tubbs – the future Witch of Saratoga – was born.
In subsequent years, renovation work here would uncover numerous artefacts such as witch-bottles and hidden shoes, all intended to keep evil at bay.
Angeline grew into a beautiful woman, with flowing hair and piercing black eyes. At the age of fifteen she was married off to a British officer from the 31st (Huntingdonshire) Regiment of Foot.
Angeline Tubbs travels to America
When her husband was posted to fight in the American Revolutionary War, the young bride travelled with him.
In 1777, following the British defeat at the battle of Saratoga in New York State, Angeline’s husband tried to murder her.
Having failed, he abandoned her. As the British troops withdrew, the jilted bride was left alone in an unfamiliar land.
She walked to Saratoga Springs, where, at the base of what is now known as Mount Vista, or Angeline’s Hill, she constructed a hovel.
Angelina Tubbs aka the Witch of Saratoga.
Here, like some medieval European witch, Tubbs lived an isolated, feral and self sufficient existence, accruing dozens of cats to keep her company.
Folk in nearby settlements were unnerved by this curious English woman and her feline familiars.
Tales abounded that upon stormy nights she could be seen standing on the cliffs of Mount Vesta, her hair streaming in the wind, red lightning encircling her as as she communed with spirits.
Suspecting witchcraft, the locals accused the outcast of numerous crimes, had her arrested and sentenced to death.
She told her tormentors she would not die until the last of her cats had passed away. Tubbs survived the noose, although she carried its mark for the rest of her life, and her beauty began to fade until she resembled the arch-typical crone.
Witch of Saratoga becomes an outcast
As she grew older, and less able to fend for herself in the wilderness, Tubbs began telling fortunes to make ends meet.
In her 90s, a professional photographer published Angeline’s image and entitled it ‘The Witch of Saratoga’, turning Angeline into an unexpected tourist draw.
But reading fortunes didn’t generate much income. In 1865, at the age of 104 having outlived all her cats, Tubbs died in the poorhouse.
In the years since, witnesses claim to have seen the ghost of a sad young woman walking with a man in military uniform.
On stormy nights, a lonely figure has been reported standing on the outcrops of Mount Vista, silhouetted by lightening, and screaming with her arms outstretched in the wind.
Exile, fortune teller, spirit-talker, murder/execution survivor, and in death, an unquiet and oft-sighted spirit: the story of the enigmatic Angeline Tubbs, Northamptonshire’s forgotten witch, is sure to fascinate the curious for many years to come.
In the years since, witnesses claim to have seen the ghost of a sad young woman walking with a man in military uniform.
In the midst of the heated dispute, one of the warriors, named Wyandance, struck Jane with his tomahawk, killing her instantly. The news of Jane's death spread quickly, and it caused a great deal of outrage and fear among the local population. Jane was remembered as a kind and gentle woman, and her violent and untimely death only added to the horror of the situation. As the story of Jane's death spread, it began to take on a supernatural twist. Rumors circulated that Jane's ghost would haunt the region, exacting revenge on those responsible for her murder. Some claimed to have seen her ghost wandering the woods, while others reported strange occurrences and unexplained happenings. The legend of the Witch of Saratoga became a popular topic of discussion and storytelling, with many variations and embellishments over the years. It served as a cautionary tale of the dangers of war and the cruelty of fate. While the story of the Witch of Saratoga is widely known and has become a part of American folklore, it is important to note that it is a legend and may not be entirely based on historical fact. Nevertheless, the tale continues to captivate and intrigue those who hear it, reminding us of the human cost and tragedy of war..
Reviews for "Legends and Lore: The Witch of Saratoga"
1. Sarah - 1 star: I found "Witch of Saratoga" to be incredibly dull and tedious. The plot was slow-moving and lacked any real excitement or suspense. The characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting, making it difficult to feel invested in their stories. The writing style was also lackluster, with long-winded and unnecessary descriptions that added nothing to the overall narrative. Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and captivating read.
2. Mark - 2 stars: "Witch of Saratoga" had an intriguing premise, but it ultimately fell short for me. The pacing was uneven, with long periods of stagnation followed by rushed and confusing moments. The author introduced multiple characters without fully developing them, leaving me feeling disconnected and uninterested in their fates. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to engage with the story on an emotional level. While this book had potential, it didn't deliver on its promises and left me unsatisfied as a reader.
3. Emily - 2 stars: I had high hopes for "Witch of Saratoga" after hearing positive reviews, but unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. The storytelling felt disjointed and confusing, with abrupt shifts in perspective and timeline that made it difficult to follow the narrative. Additionally, the world-building was inconsistent, leaving me with more questions than answers. The pacing was also an issue, with stretches of slow and uneventful moments that made it hard to maintain my interest. Overall, I found this book to be underwhelming and would not recommend it to others.
4. David - 3 stars: While "Witch of Saratoga" had its moments, it ultimately left me wanting more. The concept was unique and intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The plot lacked depth and complexity, and I found myself predicting the twists and turns well in advance. The characters, while relatable at times, lacked depth and growth throughout the story. I appreciated the author's attempt at blending historical elements with fantasy, but it felt forced and unnatural. Overall, this book had potential, but it didn't quite hit the mark for me.
5. Lauren - 3 stars: "Witch of Saratoga" had an interesting premise and setting, but it failed to deliver on its promises. The pacing was inconsistent, with long periods of inaction followed by rushed and chaotic scenes. The characters, while initially intriguing, lacked development and depth, making it difficult to form a connection with them. The writing style was also a bit clunky, with awkward sentence structure and repetitive phrases. While this book had its moments, it ultimately left me feeling unsatisfied and disappointed.