The Aldeburgh Witches

In the mid 17th Century Matthew Hopkins, self-styled Witch Finder General, and widow Phillips his “search woman” were employed by the Burgesses of Aldeburgh to “find out” witches in Aldeburgh at a time of mass-hysteria against witches throughout East Anglia. Seven women were incarcerated in the Moot Hall’s prison cells in the middle of winter. They were prevented from sleeping and “watched” for proof of their guilt – the coming of their familiar spirits. Eventually, cold, hungry and exhausted, they must have “confessed”.

Witches were hanged in the town in February 1646. Hopkins was paid £2 for giving evidence against them, widow Phillips £1. John Paine who hanged them received 11s (55p) for his pains. William Daniell set up the gallows - £1, and Henry Lawrence provided the rope for seven halters and made the knots - 8s (40p). Beer was provided to keep up the spirits of the onlookers. Altogether the cost of ridding the town of these poor women was tremendous and a special rate had to be raised to meet it.