Gothic Valley resumed activities after the summer break by going on a witchy walk with the irrepressible Maria from Herstorical Tours, this time concentrating in the City.  We met at Farringdon and sites included:

Bleeding Heart Yard (of course),

Smithfield,

The Old Bailey and

St Pauls.

Along the way we learnt about the victims in general and some poor souls in particular, including:

– the Witch of Wapping,

– the Witch of Eye

and

– do you know when the last witch trial held in England was?  Have a guess before clicking the link

We also learnt that witches in England were not typically burnt at the stake but rather hanged unless they were also convicted of a “burnable” offence, and that there were fewer formal convictions in England than might be expected – however Scotland, we are looking at you with a side eye * – but this does not include those who met an “accidental” death at the hands of their neighbours.

As might be expected, the walk included songs and theatrics, and we were blessed by excellent walking weather.

Our thanks go to Maria and her helper (I didn’t catch her name),and here’s the link to the badges she mentioned.

Our next meeting will be on 21^st October when we will be inducted into the mysteries of the Tarot!  And hopefully avoid being accused of being witches.

PS: If you’re interested in efforts to pardon and celebrate the witches of Scotland click here – they have a rather nice tartan.