Between the 16th and 18th centuries, roughly 2000 people in England were accused of witchcraft. Most of the accused vehemently denied all charges, but some gave full and detailed confessions. How seriously should we take these testimonies? Is it right to dismiss them as the inventions of panicked minds and leading questions? If so, what does this mean for the supposed witch’s agency and lived experiences?

In this talk, Tabitha Stanmore will pick apart cases from the 1580s and the infamous ‘Matthew Hopkins’ witch hunts of the 1640s. We will explore how much knowledge we can gain from confessions, and where to draw the line between scepticism and belief.

Hosted by the Bristol Skeptics Society at the Wardrobe Theatre. Tickets available here.