Yahoo News 'Pretty' English village where one of the last witch trials took place
The charming seaside village of Bideford in North Devon, famed for its historic markets, cobblestone lanes and the statue of Tarka the Otter, hides a sinister history. In 1682, it became one of the last places in England to execute women for witchcraft.
Bideford was a key player in the transatlantic trade route during this period, boasting an economy that could compete with London and other major cities. This wealth led to overcrowding and disease, which may have sparked superstitious beliefs.
By the late 17th century, witch hunting was generally on the wane, with many trials ending in acquittal. However, this was not the case for three women from Bideford accused of witchcraft in 1682.
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Five women were tried for witchcraft, three of whom were beggars, while the other two were from local families. In a stark demonstration of the classism of the time, the two women from families were acquitted, while the other three were hanged.
The three unfortunate women who met their fate at the gallows were Susanna Edwards, Welsh migrant Temperance Lloyd and Irish migrant Mary Trembles, reports the Express.
Temperance was accused of witchcraft by a local shopkeeper, Thomas Eastchurch, after his sister-in-law, Grace Thomas, fell ill. Thomas claimed that he had heard Temperance admit to being a witch and that she had been tempted by the devil to torment Grace.
Susanna and Mary were accused of witchcraft by another woman named Grace Barnes who was suffering from an illness. She alleged that the two women had caused her sickness.
A local resident, William Edwards, backed up this allegation. In his testimony against the women, William alleged that he had heard Susanna confess to having intimate relations with the devil and conspiring with Mary to make Grace ill.
Another woman, Joan Jones, claimed she overheard Mary asking Susan about becoming a witch.
During their trial and incarceration, all three women falsely admitted to practising witchcraft. They were put to death in Exeter on August 25, 1682, and their remains were interred in unhallowed graves.
