Event SW23: Witchcraft and cunning folk in West Sussex: history and myth

In telling the history of witchcraft in West Sussex, the historian needs to carefully separate fact from fiction: the history from the folklore. In this talk, Chris Hare, who is both a historian and a folklorist, we seek to do just that, quoting from archival documents and other written accounts.

Few historical subjects have been more distorted and misrepresented than witchcraft and magical practices. What is the historical evidence in West Sussex and how enduring were these beliefs in popular culture? This talk will seek to provide the answers with plenty of local examples, drawn from court records and local folklore. How many witches were tried in West Sussex? What were the penalties? What do we know about their supposed charms and curses? Why were witches associated with hares? What was the attitude of authority and the population at large towards witchcraft?

Tickets are £8.50, available online. Early bird £7.50.