Colonial Williamsburg Witch Persecution Witch persecution in Colonial Williamsburg refers to the unjust accusations and trials of individuals believed to be practicing witchcraft during the late 17th and early 18th centuries in the Virginia colony. This dark chapter in American history reflects the widespread fear and superstition surrounding witchcraft during this time period. The belief in witches and witchcraft was deeply rooted in the European cultural and religious beliefs that had been brought over to the New World. As the colony of Virginia was predominantly Christian, the idea of witchcraft was seen as a grave sin and a threat to the community. Accusations of witchcraft often stemmed from unexplainable events or strange occurrences. These events were attributed to the work of witches, who were believed to have made a pact with the devil and possessed supernatural powers.
Presented by Lissa Brassfield, a College of the Canyons professor, the discussion will take a look at the witch and pirate trials held in Williamsburg, Virginia, when it was a British colony.
For several years neighbors talked of how the midwife, healer, and widowed mother of three had ruined crops, killed livestock, and conjured up storms. Sherwood, a midwife who at times wore men s clothes, lived in what today is the rural Pungo neighborhood, and she later became known as The Witch of Pungo.
These events were attributed to the work of witches, who were believed to have made a pact with the devil and possessed supernatural powers. The accused were typically women, particularly those who were seen as social outcasts or who challenged traditional gender roles. Once accused, the accused would be subject to a trial known as a witch trial.
Learn about the witch and pirate trials in Colonial Williamsburg at the SCV Senior Center
Continuing its scholar series, the SCV Senior Center will focus its next historical presentation on colonial Williamsburg and witches on Oct. 31.
Presented by Lissa Brassfield, a College of the Canyons professor, the discussion will take a look at the witch and pirate trials held in Williamsburg, Virginia, when it was a British colony.
The idea originated from a recent trip Brassfield took to the former colonial capitol, she said. After speaking with the Senior Center’s volunteer and recreation coordinator Robin Clough, the decision was made for the next presentation’s subject matter.
“This was where George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison went to the House of Burgesses,” Brassfield said.
Williamsburg today is known for its 18th century setting and period attire, which attracts visitors from around the world. Yet, many still want to hear about the connection to witchcraft.
Centuries ago, the charge of witchcraft was a life-threatening offense in the colonies, made famous by the trials in Salem, Massachusetts. “It’s almost unbelievable to us, not just in colonial America,” Brassfield said. “Generations before believed (witches) could exist.”
Along with witchcraft, Brassfield intends to speak about the charge of piracy in the colonial era, particularly the fates of pirates under the command of Blackbeard.
As with prior scholar series presentations, Brassfield will be sharing discussions with Senior Center residents. While the previous presentation, which focused on Robert F. Kennedy, which brought up memories of his brother’s presidency and their assassinations, Brassfield said she is “not sure what the feedback will be, but it will be very interesting.”
Comparisons to similar moments in recent United States history — such as the communist trials of Sen. Joseph McCarthy — might possibly be brought up, she said.
The presentation will take place from 10-11 a.m. in rooms A1 and A2 of the Santa Clarita Senior Center on 22900 Market St. There is no charge and it is open to public.
Grace White Sherwood
These trials were held in public and followed a set of procedures outlined in Puritan law. They often relied on spectral evidence, which meant that the accused were judged based on the testimonies of those who claimed to have been harmed or witnessed supernatural events related to the accused. The accused faced harsh interrogations, physical examinations, and the possibility of torture in order to extract confessions. Many pleaded guilty to avoid further torture or execution, while others maintained their innocence even in the face of death. The punishment for those found guilty of witchcraft varied. Some were imprisoned, while others were subjected to public humiliation or executed by hanging. The execution of accused witches happened in Colonial Williamsburg, as well as other parts of the American colonies. The colonial witch trials came to an end in the early 18th century as the influence of the Enlightenment and the rise of rational thought began to challenge traditional beliefs. The growing skepticism towards witchcraft and the lack of evidence in many cases led to a decline in accusations and trials. In retrospect, the witch persecution in Colonial Williamsburg stands as a symbol of the deep-rooted fear and irrationality of the time. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of prejudice, superstition, and the potential for mass hysteria to lead to injustice and tragedy..
Reviews for "The Salem Witch Trials vs. Colonial Williamsburg: Comparing Witch Persecution"
1. John D. - 2 stars - I recently visited Colonial Williamsburg and decided to take the Witch Persecution tour. Unfortunately, I found the experience to be quite underwhelming. The tour guide seemed disinterested and lacked enthusiasm. The information provided was very basic and did not delve into the historical context of the witch trials. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity to educate visitors on this dark period in American history. I would recommend skipping this tour and exploring other aspects of Colonial Williamsburg instead.
2. Sarah M. - 1 star - I had high hopes for the Colonial Williamsburg Witch Persecution tour, but I was extremely disappointed. The guide was not knowledgeable and kept stumbling over their words. It felt like they were reading off a script without actually understanding the history behind the witch trials. Additionally, the tour was poorly organized, with a large group of people being herded around without any clear direction. Save your money and seek out other historical tours in the area.
3. Robert B. - 2 stars - As a history enthusiast, I was excited to learn more about the Witch Persecution in Colonial Williamsburg. However, the tour failed to meet my expectations. The guide seemed unenthusiastic and lacked depth in their storytelling. The information provided was basic and did not offer any new insights or details about the events that took place during the witch trials. Overall, I found the tour to be uninspiring and would not recommend it to others looking for an in-depth historical experience.
4. Emily P. - 2 stars - The Colonial Williamsburg Witch Persecution tour was a letdown. The guide seemed to rush through the locations and didn't provide enough background information about the accused witches or the hysteria surrounding the trials. The tour lacked depth and failed to engage me as a visitor. I expected a more immersive and educational experience, but I left feeling underwhelmed. I would recommend looking into other historical tours offered in the area for a more compelling experience.