Matthew Hopkins, of Manningtree in Essex, was the self proclaimed Witchfinder General in East Anglia between 1644 and 1647. He was responsible for the persecution and unjust deaths of 300 women during this short period, and accounted for the majority of witch trials during this dark period.
The convictions were mainly obtained by forced confessions, and Hopkins gained considerable financial benefit from his activities. His book The Discovery of Witches influenced later atrocities in New England, most notably in Salem.
His brutal legacy was summed up by the eminent scholar Montague Summers who observed that “his crusade up and down the eastern counties, which created something like a reign of terror at the time, has caused his name to stink in the nostrils of all decent persons ever since”.
There have been many songs drawing on the theme of witchcraft over the years. One of the more recent contributions is Burn the Witch by Radiohead from their 2016 album a moon shaped pool:
The convictions were mainly obtained by forced confessions, and Hopkins gained considerable financial benefit from his activities. His book The Discovery of Witches influenced later atrocities in New England, most notably in Salem.
His brutal legacy was summed up by the eminent scholar Montague Summers who observed that “his crusade up and down the eastern counties, which created something like a reign of terror at the time, has caused his name to stink in the nostrils of all decent persons ever since”.
There have been many songs drawing on the theme of witchcraft over the years. One of the more recent contributions is Burn the Witch by Radiohead from their 2016 album a moon shaped pool:
Folk devils and moral panics are still with us, which is why 25% of the proceeds from the sale of the Witchfinder General tea towel are now being donated to the crowdfunded short film The Wick.Set in 1808, The Wick is a Universal and timely story of a strong woman, striving for justice and fighting for the rights of the under represented and misunderstood. A tale of deceit and persecution of a woman who fights for justice against a lawless witch hunter.
Hopefully the ironic legacy of Hopkins' abominations will be to at least support something valuable, and highlight the continued persecution of individuals today. The film will make a fitting memorial to those whose only crime was often simply to hold non conformist beliefs.
https://www.facebook.com/TheWickShortFilm?__mref=message_bubble
Folk devils and moral panics are still with us, which is why 25% of the proceeds from the sale of the Witchfinder General tea towel are now being donated to the crowdfunded short film The Wick.Set in 1808, The Wick is a Universal and timely story of a strong woman, striving for justice and fighting for the rights of the under represented and misunderstood. A tale of deceit and persecution of a woman who fights for justice against a lawless witch hunter.
Hopefully the ironic legacy of Hopkins' abominations will be to at least support something valuable, and highlight the continued persecution of individuals today. The film will make a fitting memorial to those whose only crime was often simply to hold non conformist beliefs.
https://www.facebook.com/TheWickShortFilm?__mref=message_bubble
