Reading trial records
Short course: Witchcraft, Werewolves and Magic in European History
Event Type: HA
Takes Place: 22nd October 2024
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Online
Description: Between about 1450 and 1750 perhaps as many as 100,000 Europeans, mostly women, were tried for witchcraft; about 50% of them were executed for their alleged crimes. Many of the trial records have survived and these are important resources for early modern historians. They give voice to people about whose lives we would otherwise know very little. The records certainly tell us about the fears of the witch-accusers, but they also provide a window onto other emotions, including envy and love, and how people lived among their neighbours. Using trial records from both England and Germany, we will look at how they have been used to understand early modern society and culture.
How to book: This event is part of our short course: Witchcraft, Werewolves and Magic in European History. Register for the short course via the link below.
Price: The course is free for members, £37 for non-members.
Lecturer: Jonathan Durrant, Laura Kounine