I ran away from the Salem witch trials. It was a time of turmoil and fear, with accusations flying left and right. Innocent people were being persecuted, simply based on suspicion and hearsay. I witnessed the hysteria take hold of the town, as neighbor turned against neighbor and paranoia consumed the community. It was as if reason had been thrown out the window, and everyone was on edge, afraid of being accused next. I knew I had to escape, to save myself from the madness that had engulfed Salem.
This segment aired on October 26, 2018.
But it s also believed that there was a network of people in the area who secretly worked to help those accused of witchcraft escape from Salem to safety. But it s also believed that there was a network of people in the area who secretly worked to help those accused of witchcraft escape from Salem to safety.
I knew I had to escape, to save myself from the madness that had engulfed Salem. I packed only the essentials and a small amount of money, leaving behind my home and everything I had known. With a heavy heart, I snuck out in the dead of night, leaving no trace of my departure.
So-Called 'Witch Caves' Suggest Underground Network Helped Accused Witches Escape Salem
Salem is well known for its gruesome history of witch trials and the stories of those executed in the anti-witch hysteria.
But it's also believed that there was a network of people in the area who secretly worked to help those accused of witchcraft escape from Salem to safety.
Local historians say that in 1693 some people suspected of witchcraft traveled to what is now the Framingham/Ashland area to hide in "witch caves."
Local historians say in 1693 some people suspected of witchcraft traveled to the woods in the Framingham/Ashland area to hide in the "witch caves." (Deborah Becker/WBUR)
Sarah Bridges Clayes, whose name was sometimes recorded as Clay or Cloyes, was likely one of those people. She fled to the area after escaping from jail while awaiting her sentence on witchcraft charges in Salem.
Clayes' two sisters had been executed on similar charges.
Rob St. Germain, a member of the Ashland Town Forest Committee, takes visitors into the woods in Ashland to view the "witch caves." (Deborah Becker/WBUR)
Historians suggest Clayes hid out in rocky spots in the Ashland woods after escaping. Rob St. Germain, a member of the Ashland Town Forest Committee, says those caves still exist, just off of the aptly titled "Salem End Road."
"Clayes spent at least a winter here," St. Germain said. "Some recounts suggest they were here two years, in the cave . letting the political process in Boston catch up with the bad situation in Salem and put an end to it."
Once they left the caves, Clayes and her husband built a home, which is now officially in Framingham. Today, the Clayes' home is still standing and under renovation. It's one of the five so-called "witch houses" in the area.
The home of Sarah Bridges Clayes is still standing just over the town line in Framingham. The house is currently under renovation and is owned by the Framingham History Society and the Sarah Clayes House Trust. (Deborah Becker/WBUR)
St. Germain said people fleeing were likely looking for property owned by former Deputy Gov. Thomas Danforth, who was a judge in Salem. Danforth was also a member of the Salem Witch Tribunals, but he left Salem because he felt uncomfortable about the proceedings.
Danforth gave 800 acres of land to those who had been accused.
"The Danforths were sympathizers, friendly," St. Germain said. "They were rational, educated people."
Town property records provide another piece of evidence that the area was a safe haven for those accused of witchcraft.
The Township Petition for Framingham from 1700 shows at least 50 people related to Clayes and her sisters had resettled to the area.
Guest
Rob St. Germain, a member of the Ashland Town Forest Committee.
This segment aired on October 26, 2018.
The risk of being caught was high, but I knew that staying would mean certain death. As I made my way through the dark forest, the echoes of screams and chants from the trials still hung in the air. The weight of guilt and fear pressed upon me, as I questioned whether I had made the right decision to leave. But deep down, I knew that I had to protect myself, for in times like these, self-preservation was of utmost importance. Days turned into weeks as I traveled further and further away from the madness of Salem. I found solace in the kindness of strangers along the way, who provided me with food, shelter, and a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak world. It was during these moments that I began to heal, to unravel the trauma that I had experienced during the trials. I eventually found refuge in a small town far away from Salem, where I could finally breathe freely without the constant fear of being accused. But the memories of the witch trials still haunted my dreams, a reminder of the atrocities that had taken place. I often wondered what had become of those left behind, those falsely accused and persecuted. The Salem witch trials were a dark chapter in history, fueled by mass hysteria and a lack of evidence. Innocent lives were destroyed, families torn apart, and trust shattered. It is a reminder of the dangers of prejudice and fear, and the importance of questioning authority and seeking justice. Though I managed to escape the trials, the scars left behind will forever serve as a reminder of the horrors that unfolded in Salem..
Reviews for "Secrets of the Runaways: Uncovering the Lives of Those Who Fled the Salem Witch Trials"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - While I found the concept of "I ran away from the Salem Witch Trials" intriguing, I have to admit that the execution fell flat for me. The story lacked depth and character development, making it difficult for me to connect with the protagonist. Additionally, the plot felt rushed and underdeveloped, with several loose ends left untied. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and felt it had much more potential.
2. Michael - 2/5 stars - Unfortunately, "I ran away from the Salem Witch Trials" was a letdown for me. The writing was mediocre at best, with awkward sentence structure and repetitive phrasing. The story lacked originality, as it followed the tired trope of time-traveling to historical events. Furthermore, the dialogue was stilted and unrealistic, making it hard for me to become invested in the characters' experiences. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a truly immersive and well-crafted historical fiction.
3. Emily - 1/5 stars - I couldn't finish "I ran away from the Salem Witch Trials" as I found it incredibly dull and unengaging. The protagonist was unremarkable and lacked any discernible personality traits to make me care about their journey. The pacing was slow, and the plot was predictable, offering no surprises or twists. The writing style was uninspiring, failing to capture the essence of the Salem Witch Trials era. I was disheartened by this read and would advise others to invest their time in a more captivating historical fiction novel.