November meeting – The Halesworth Witches of 1645

Our speaker for November, our last meeting of 2024, will be David Wollweber. David will be talking about the two men and six women from Halesworth and the surrounding villages who were tried for witchcraft in August 1645. Although many “witches” were found by the self proclaimed “Witchfinder General” Matthew Hopkins, and his partner John Stearne throughout Suffolk, the Halesworth examples are particularly interesting in highlighting some of the possible motives behind the witch hunt, and further the understanding of why it happened. Possible links between Hopkins and the puritanical movement of local gentry and ministers will be explored which may help to explain the rather random geographical spread of villages and towns which Hopkins visited where “witches” were found in wider Suffolk and parts of Norfolk.

We’ll be meeting at Needham Village Hall, High Road, Needham, IP20 9LB on Saturday November 30th at 2.00pm. Admission is £3.00 and teas, coffees and biscuits will be served.