Memories of witchcraft in Berkshire

Witchcraft accusations were remembered for many years after they occurred but not always accurately. These witchcraft stories could inspire new accusations. This article follows a chain of stories of witchcraft back in time starting with the late seventeenth century. In the late seventeenth century, between 1656 and 1691, antiquarian John Aubrey wrote his book ‘The […]

A written curse in Reading in 1626?

Witchcraft accusations and keeping the peace. On Saturday 26th August 1626, Elizabeth Griffyn is accused in Reading Borough Quarter Sessions of making a charm against her neighbours Hugh Patye and his wife. Both Hugh Patye, Elizabeth and her husband William Griffyn were ordered by the court to keep the peace or be liable to pay […]