Cry Witch in Williamsburg: The city of Williamsburg, located in Virginia, has a rich history dating back to colonial times. It was the capital of the colony of Virginia from 1699 to 1780 and played a significant role during the American Revolution. With its well-preserved historic buildings and reenactments, Williamsburg serves as a popular tourist destination for those interested in experiencing colonial America firsthand. One intriguing aspect of Williamsburg's history is the phenomenon known as the "Cry Witch" trials. Similar to the infamous Salem witch trials in Massachusetts, the Cry Witch trials took place in the early 18th century and involved accusations of witchcraft in the Williamsburg area. During this time, witchcraft was considered a serious offense and was believed to be a threat to the community.
Grace Sherwood: I am not guilty, sir.
The existence of witches, or persons who are familiar with the devil or evil spirits has become a matter of great controversy and debate among learned men, and of late, there have been very few convictions on this charge. As I ve said before, matters settled in civil court in Princess Anne County are irrelevant to these proceedings, and will not be reconsidered in this court.
During this time, witchcraft was considered a serious offense and was believed to be a threat to the community. The Cry Witch trials were sparked by the accusations made by several young girls who claimed to be possessed by witches. These girls would exhibit strange behavior, such as convulsions and fits, which were believed to be signs of witchcraft.
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 …
Luke Hill: She was bewitched. And the child, the child she was carrying, was lost to us. Our child. And I know it was Grace Sherwood that caused it!
The accused individuals, mostly women, were subjected to rigorous examinations and interrogations aimed at proving their guilt. These examinations often involved searching for physical marks or signs of the devil's influence, such as birthmarks or scars. The accused were also subjected to tests, such as "swimming" or "pricking," which were believed to reveal their connection to witchcraft. The Cry Witch trials in Williamsburg led to the conviction and execution of several individuals, who were believed to be practicing witchcraft. However, as time passed and people began questioning the credibility of the accusers and the methods used in the trials, public opinion shifted. The Cry Witch trials eventually lost credibility, and the accusations of witchcraft ceased. Today, the Cry Witch trials serve as a reminder of the superstitions and fears that plagued colonial America. They also highlight the dangers of relying solely on circumstantial evidence and hearsay when determining guilt or innocence. The Cry Witch trials in Williamsburg are often remembered through educational programs and reenactments, which aim to shed light on this dark period in the city's history. In conclusion, the Cry Witch trials in Williamsburg were a significant event in the city's history and provide insight into the beliefs and fears of colonial America. While they may not be as well-known as the Salem witch trials, the Cry Witch trials serve as a reminder of the dangers of hysteria and the importance of fair judgment. Visiting Williamsburg allows tourists to explore its fascinating history, including this period of witchcraft accusations and learn from the mistakes of the past..
Reviews for "From Puritan New England to Colonial Williamsburg: A History of Witch Trials"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
The "Cry Witch Williamsburg" experience was quite disappointing for me. The overall storyline was weak and poorly executed. The actors lacked energy and enthusiasm, making it difficult to immerse myself in the supposed mystery. The puzzles and clues were elementary and predictable, leaving no room for challenge or intrigue. The whole experience felt rushed and unsatisfying, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone seeking a truly captivating and engaging escape room experience.
2. Chris - 1 star
I found "Cry Witch Williamsburg" to be a complete waste of time and money. The storyline was cliché and unoriginal, lacking any real depth or excitement. The puzzles were unimaginative and ridiculously easy to solve. The whole experience felt like a poorly put together school project rather than a professional escape room experience. I was extremely disappointed and regretted participating in this particular escape room. Save your money and seek out a more engaging and well-designed escape room elsewhere.
3. Emily - 2 stars
"Cry Witch Williamsburg" fell flat for me. The actors seemed unenthusiastic and disengaged, which made it difficult to become truly invested in the storyline. The puzzles were overly simplistic and lacked any real challenge. Furthermore, the overall design and set decoration felt cheap and unimpressive. It was evident that little effort had been put into creating an immersive and intriguing atmosphere. Overall, I was left underwhelmed by this escape room experience and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Michael - 1 star
I was highly disappointed with "Cry Witch Williamsburg." The storyline was confusing and poorly explained, making it hard to stay engaged throughout the experience. The puzzles were dull and uninteresting, lacking any real creativity or innovation. The set design was lackluster, with minimal effort put into creating an immersive and authentic environment. It felt like a half-hearted attempt at an escape room, and I left feeling unsatisfied and let down. I would advise others to steer clear of this particular escape room and find a more professionally executed one.