The Essex filming hotspot with a chilling past of a 'witch' executed under the reign of Henry VIII’s grandson

Essex is often known for having a broad history of witchcraft - but it is lesser known that one of the first witchcraft executions in England happened in Chelmsford. History remembers Agnes Waterhouse as one of the most influential witches of the Tudor period.

Although the Inquisition in Europe started their trials and executions much earlier, Agnes was the first woman to be put to death for witchcraft in England - in 1566. During the 16th century in England, people were both fascinated and terrified with witchcraft.

On the one hand, since Henry VIII became the head of the Anglican Church, the Catholic Inquisition had no power in England. However, witchcraft was still disallowed and sternly punished.

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When the law condemning witchcraft came into effect, Agnes was in her 40s. She may have been born in 1503, although her early life wasn't well documented.

She lived in Hatfield Peverel, Essex, England. To local people she was known as Mother Waterhouse. This nickname suggests her position in society - perhaps as a single woman, who was generally seen as compassionate and helpful. She may have been a healer and wise woman.

The trial against Agnes took place in Chelmsford and she was accused of using witchcraft to cause disease and the death of William Fynne, a neighbour. Agnes was charged with using sorcery to kill livestock, cause illness, and bring about the death of her husband. Originally her daughter, Joan, was also accused but she was found not guilty.

Agnes was going to the Midsummer Assizes, held in the hot months when England’s top judges got out of London and had time to sit in judgement over suspected provincial criminals. In Chelmsford the Assizes were held in the Market Cross House, which stood just in front of the present-day Shire Hall.

Modern day filming hotspot

Nowadays, Shire Hall is often used as a filming location, with the Bates vs The Post Office drama filming here. Channel 4 also filmed series The Jury, which saw real people take on the role of jury members in a court case.

On July 29, 1566, Agnes Waterhouse was executed. According to historical resources, she asked for forgiveness from God. She said she sent the cat to hurt another of her neighbours, Wardol, and damage his goods. This time her victim allegedly had strong faith, and for that reason it was believed she didn't succeed.

Agnes Waterhouse became an icon against an unfair act which touched all of Europe. Among the women punished for the practice of witchcraft, she appears as one of the most fascinating.

In December 2021, An interpretive plaque and oak tree were installed in Admirals Park in memory of Chelmsford’s witch trial victims, to commemorate the 100 innocent people were accused of witchcraft and executed in the town during the 16th and 17th centuries.

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