Witchcraft: The Real History
An Eight-Day Online Journey into the real history of witchcraft.
Place: Online, here!
Dates: 29 March – 5 April 2025
Price: Early Bird price for registration before 31 January 2025 $70 (approximately £56.30, AUD 112.60, €67.90) - instead of $80
Use coupon code EBWITCH for the early bird discount!
REGISTER NOW
NOTE: full price from 31 January will be $80 so act NOW to save!
Step beyond the myths and stereotypes to uncover the complex and often tragic history of witchcraft. This eight-day online event delves deep into the historical, cultural, and social forces that shaped perceptions of witches—from the ancient world to the infamous witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries, and their lasting legacy in modern times.
Join expert historians, authors, and storytellers as they illuminate the untold stories of those accused, the fear and power struggles driving the witch hunts, and how these dark chapters in history continue to shape our world today.
Event Highlights:
- Engaging Talks: Dive into history with expert historian talks covering cases like the Essex Witches, the Pendle Witches, the Salem Witch Trials, and more.
- Interactive Discussions: Participate in daily live Zoom video sessions with speakers for Q&A and deeper insights, PLUS five zoom discussions leading up to the event.
- Lifetime Access: Revisit all video talks and replays at your convenience.
- The event is completely online so you can participate from anywhere in the world.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, a researcher, or someone captivated by the complexities of the past, this event promises a thought-provoking and memorable experience.
Event schedule:
- Day 1, 29 March: Witches in Antiquity and the Middle Ages - Explore the roots of witchcraft with Claire Ridgway, setting the stage for our event, and then join an interactive "Get to Know You" Zoom session at 10pm UK / 6pm New York.
- Day 2, 30 March: The Essex Witches - Witchcraft and Witchfinders in Elizabethan and Stuart Essex - Delve into the shadowy past of 16th- and 17th-century Essex, a region infamous for its witch trials during England's turbulent witch-hunting era. This talk by Claire Ridgway explores the lives of those accused, the societal forces that fuelled fear of witchcraft, and the notorious trials, including the role of figures like the "Witchfinder General," Matthew Hopkins. Discover how superstition, gender dynamics, and politics converged to create one of the darkest chapters in Essex's history—and consider the legacy it leaves behind.
Zoom Q&A with Claire on Witches in Antiquity and the Middle Ages at 10pm UK / 5pm New York. - Day 3, 31 March: Magicians, Necromancers, Sorcerers, and Witches: King James and the Scottish Witch Hunts - Join Gareth Russell, author of Queen James, as he delves into Scotland’s fervent witch-hunts and the pivotal roles of Mary, Queen of Scots, and King James VI (I).
Zoom Q&A with Claire on the Essex Witches at 10pm UK / 5pm New York. - Day 4, 1 April: The Witch-Hunting King - Bestselling author and historian Tracy Borman reveals the turbulent world of King James I, focusing on a forgotten yet pivotal witchcraft trial from the early Stuart court.
Zoom Q&A with Gareth on King James VI and the Scottish Witch Hunts at 10pm UK / 5pm New York. - Day 5, 2 April: The Pendle Witches - Acclaimed storyteller Simon Entwistle recounts the dramatic and harrowing events of the Pendle Witch Trials in 17th century Lancashire.
Zoom Q&A with Tracy on The Witch-hunting King at 9pm UK / 4pm New York. - Day 6, 3 April: The Salem Witch Trials - Journey across the Atlantic with Claire Ridgway to uncover the dark truths of 1692 Salem where fear and paranoia saw over two hundred people accused of witchcraft and nineteen people executed.
Zoom Q&A with Simon on The Pendle Witches at 10pm UK / 5pm New York. - Day 7, 4 April: Witchcraft from the 17th Century to the Modern Era - Conclude with Claire Ridgway, who examines how perceptions of witchcraft evolved over time.
Zoom Q&A with Claire on the Salem Witches at 10pm UK / 5pm New York. - Day 8, 5 April: Grand Finale Q&A - Reflect on the week with a final interactive Zoom discussion at 10pm UK / 5pm New York.
Due to our interactive zoom calls—which are video, not just typed chat—spaces are limited for this exciting event to ensure that everyone can participate, so don’t delay—reserve your spot today to journey through the shadows of history.
Speakers
Gareth Russell
Gareth Russell is an historian and broadcaster. His books include Young and Damned and Fair, The Ship of Dreams, and Do Let’s Have Another Drink. He is the host of the podcast Single Malt History with Gareth Russell and he divides his time between Belfast and London.
His forthcoming book is Queen James: A New History About the Life and Loves of Britain’s First King, which puts James – genius, liar, spendthrift, idealist, witch-hunter – and the men he loved at the centre of one of the most dramatic stories in British royal history.
Tracy Borman
Tracy Borman is joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces and Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust. She studied and taught history at the University of Hull.
Tracy is the author of a number of highly acclaimed books including Crown & Sceptre, Henry VIII and the Men Who Made Him, The Private Lives of the Tudors: Uncovering the Secrets of Britain's Greatest Dynasty, Thomas Cromwell: The Untold Story of Henry VIII's Most Faithful Servant, Matilda: Wife of the Conqueror, First Queen of England, Elizabeth's Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen and Witches: A Tale of Sorcery, Scandal and Seduction. Tracy is also a regular broadcaster and public speaker, giving talks on her books across the UK and abroad.
Simon Entwistle
Simon Entwistle is a local historian and professional tour guide come story teller. He has guided tours in three northern counties and one of the most popular tours is the 1612 Pendle Witch Trials, which will be the focus of his talk.
Claire Ridgway
Event host historian Claire Ridgway is the best-selling author of 15 history books and founder of the popular Anne Boleyn Files and Tudor Society websites. She loves nothing more than sharing her passion for history with others and connecting Tudor history lovers, historians and authors from all over the world with each other through her online events.
Surprise someone with a gift certificate for Witchcraft: The Real History, an immersive online event exploring the fascinating truth behind witchcraft. Perfect for history lovers, mystery seekers, and curious minds. Available now—share the magic and let them experience a journey through time!
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I'm so delighted to be part of this event! What a superb series Claire has created!
