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The St. Osyth Witch Trials Part 2

Priory Education Centre

The Witch Trails began in a cold winter of 1582. Europe had been experiencing a mini ice-age with temperatures in England 2 degrees cooler. Crops and livestock suffered and increasing rainfall ruined harvests. St. Osyth was a harsh marsh land to scrape a living. The accusations made during the witch trials show the depth of the poverty the community was experiencing with people accusing others over crimes for which the punishment was death over small things like some cheese or a cup of yeast.

The St. Osyth Witch Trials Part 1

Priory Education Centre

The 1582 Witch trials are a fascinating part of village history, a mixture of fact and fiction over hundreds of years has created a story that many today are still amazed by. But why did the trials take place and how can we make sure we teach this history in a way that doesn’t lose sight of the individuals, families and community behind the stories?

Newsletter December 2023

Priory Education Centre