In the deep, dark woods of a mystical realm, there lies a haunted hill. Legends have been whispered from generation to generation about the eerie presence that lingers atop this ghostly hill. It is said that a wretched witch haunts the area, casting spells and spreading fear among those who dare to venture near. The presence of the ghostly hill witch can be felt even before one lays eyes on her. The air becomes heavy and suffocating, as if invisible chains were pulling at your every step. The sound of the wind becomes distorted, carrying with it an unnerving howl that seems to echo in your very soul.
After visiting the place, it is not surprising that Old Chestnut Grove Cemetery is said to be haunted. It is surrounded by woods, the various old trees cast many shadows, and the layout itself is a bit unusual. We even found a skeleton of a large animal (raccoon? skunk?) on top of a grave that the groundskeeper somehow missed for some time. In the back portion of the cemetery, graves could be found deep in the woods and in a hidden hollow down a steep hill, which then connects to a park hiking trail! It is also said “strange lights” can be seen at night in this part of the cemetery.
They believe that it is each generation s responsibility to be the custodians of the treasures of our past and to ensure that future generations will have the fortune of experiencing them. We hope to inspire Essex County residents and visitors to make meaningful connections to places like Peirce Farm through fun events like the Haunting at Witch Hill.
The sound of the wind becomes distorted, carrying with it an unnerving howl that seems to echo in your very soul. Those who have seen the ghostly hill witch speak of her as a ghastly apparition, caught between the realms of the living and the dead. With eyes as black as coal and a twisted grin etched onto her bony face, she is a terrifying sight to behold.
The Haunting at Witch Hill
October 19, 2016 – This Halloween, Essex Heritage – known for connecting people to the unique places around Essex County – is taking people back to the Victorian era with a fundraising party at Peirce Farm at Witch Hill in Topsfield on All Hallows’ Eve Eve (October 30 at 6:30 PM). After hearing historically relevant haunting tales in the manor house, guests will enjoy bewitching cocktails, Victorian games, and music in the barn.
Peirce Farm at Witch Hill has been part of Essex County’s rich history dating back to the 17th century. In fact, the foundation still includes some portions of the original 1690s farmhouse where Mary Easty’s son, Isaac, lived. It is believed Mary Easty (1634-1692) hid in the cellar of the property when she was arrested – for a second time – on accusations of being a witch. From Isaac’s home, Mary was taken to Beadle’s Tavern in Salem town for her pre-trial examination and later was indicted on two charges of witchcraft. She was jailed in Ipswich then Boston, and was hanged that fall.
In the 18th century, Captain Benjamin Crowninshield transformed the Easty Farm into a stylish rural country retreat, and in doing so, he and others like him, ushered in a trend that would help to preserve Topsfield’s historic agricultural resources for many years to come.
Railroad tycoon Thomas Wentworth Peirce (1818–1885) further enhanced the home and the stables creating a 500 hundred-acre gentleman’s retreat in the 19th Century. A railroad siding beside the house even accommodated his private train car, a rare luxury.
Today, the property’s décor has been recreated in the styles of T.W. Peirce, and is open to the public for events and corporate meetings. In the fall of 2014 the property was purchased by Essex Heritage Trustee Sean Ward and his business partner Michael Gutman who intend to make the property a place that lots of people can share. They believe that it is each generation’s responsibility to be the custodians of the treasures of our past and to ensure that future generations will have the fortune of experiencing them. In order to achieve this, they “repurpose, reclaim and reuse” as much as they can, and the unique history of the property is evident in all they have accomplished.
“Our mission is to engage the public in sustaining the exceptional places that make this region so unique” explained Essex Heritage CEO Annie Harris. “We hope to inspire Essex County residents and visitors to make meaningful connections to places like Peirce Farm through fun events like the Haunting at Witch Hill.”
The Haunting at Witch Hill, sponsored by Salem Five Bank and the Topsfield Fair, is a fun fundraiser for Essex Heritage, now celebrating 20 years of preserving and enhancing the unique natural, cultural and historic places of the region for the benefit of all who live, work and visit. Tickets are available online and include haunting tales, a drink ticket, and light hors d’oeuvres. Victorian attire is encouraged.
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Peirce Farm at Witch Hill has been part of Essex County’s rich history dating back to the 17th century. In fact, the foundation still includes some portions of the original 1690s farmhouse where Mary Easty’s son, Isaac, lived. It is believed Mary Easty (1634-1692) hid in the cellar of the property when she was arrested – for a second time – on accusations of being a witch. From Isaac’s home, Mary was taken to Beadle’s Tavern in Salem town for her pre-trial examination and later was indicted on two charges of witchcraft. She was jailed in Ipswich then Boston, and was hanged that fall.
Her tattered, black cloak trails behind her as she floats effortlessly through the eerie mist that blankets the hill. It is said that the ghostly hill witch possesses the ability to see into the deepest recesses of your mind and heart. Her whispers can stir up long-forgotten fears and regrets, making you question your own sanity. She delights in playing mind games with those who trespass into her domain, toying with their emotions and driving them to the brink of madness. Legends also speak of the witch's insatiable thirst for revenge. It is believed that she was wronged in life, and now seeks vengeance on anyone who crosses her path. She is said to have cursed the land surrounding the hill, causing crops to wither and livestock to sicken and die. The once-thriving village at the foot of the hill now lays in ruins, its inhabitants long gone or reduced to mere shells of their former selves. Despite the tales of terror and doom, some believe that the ghostly hill witch possesses a tragic past. Perhaps she was once a kind-hearted soul, driven to darkness by the cruelty of the world. Others say that she was born of pure evil, a manifestation of the deepest, darkest fears that dwell within all of us. Regardless of her origin, the ghostly hill witch remains a formidable force of malevolence, a constant reminder of the supernatural terrors that exist beyond the realm of the living. Her haunted hill stands as a chilling testament to the power of fear and the horrors that lurk in the shadows. Those who dare venture into her domain would be wise to heed the warnings and tales of those who have come before, for the ghostly hill witch eagerly awaits her next victim..
Reviews for "Ancient Spirits: Communicating with the Ghostly Hill Witch"
- John - 1 out of 5 stars - I found "Ghostly Hill Witch" to be incredibly boring and unoriginal. The plot was predictable and the characters felt flat and one-dimensional. The writing style lacked depth and the dialogue was stilted. Overall, it was a huge disappointment and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging and captivating read.
- Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - "Ghostly Hill Witch" had so much potential, but it fell short in execution. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I struggled to stay engaged with the story. The world-building was lacking, leaving me with unanswered questions and a feeling of disconnect. Additionally, the characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to connect with them or care about their fates. While there were a few intriguing moments, overall, it didn't live up to my expectations.
- Robert - 2.5 out of 5 stars - While "Ghostly Hill Witch" had an interesting premise, the execution left much to be desired. The writing style was dry and lacked emotion, making it difficult to feel invested in the story. The plot felt disjointed, with unnecessary subplots that didn't add much to the overall narrative. The ending also felt rushed and left me unsatisfied. Overall, it had potential but failed to deliver an engaging and memorable reading experience.
- Emily - 1 out of 5 stars - I was highly disappointed with "Ghostly Hill Witch". The writing was incredibly amateurish and filled with clichés. The characters were unlikable and lacked any depth or complexity. The dialogue was unrealistic and forced. I struggled to finish this book and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a well-written and compelling story.