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 £54.90, AUD 109.50, €66.20)
Use coupon code EBWITCH for the early bird discount!
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.
- Day 2, 30 March: The Essex Witches - Witchcraft and Witchfinders in Elizabethan and Stuart Essex - Unearth chilling tales from Essex’s notorious witch trials with Claire Ridgway.
Zoom Q&A with Claire on Witches in Antiquity and the Middle Ages. - 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. - 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. - Day 5, 2 April: The Pendle Witches - Acclaimed storyteller Simon Entwistle recounts the dramatic and harrowing events of the Pendle Witch Trials.
Zoom Q&A with Tracy on The Witchhunting King. - Day 6, 3 April: The Salem Witch Trials - Journey across the Atlantic with Claire Ridgway to uncover the dark truths of 1692 Salem.
Zoom Q&A with Simon on The Pendle Witches. - 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. - Day 8, 5 April: Grand Finale Q&A - Reflect on the week with a final interactive Zoom discussion.
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.
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'Anne Boleyn - the woman who changed England' expertly curated by Claire Ridgway brought together a group of historians who generously shared their knowledge. The various talks on Anne's early life and the influences that shaped the woman she became left me with a vivid picture of her and why she was a worthy Queen Consort. Very enjoyable, informative and good value; I'll definitely be signing up for any similar events in the future.
