The Magick Folk of East Anglia

Discovering the Ancient Witches of East Anglia: Introduction

From the rituals of Boudicca’s Celtic tribe, the Iceni, to Puritanical witch hunts in Old England’s Eastern counties (and over the sea in New England’s founding settlements) to rumours of covens with centuries long lineage the East of England has a tale or two to tell about witches and their craft.

An Arrest for Witchcraft in the Olden Time by John Pettie 1839-1893 (Wolverhampton Art Gallery)

Unlike Norfolk’s ‘lost’ legends of the fae (see my Missing Fairies of Norfolk series) the belief in the power (good or evil) of witchcraft has prevailed through the ages in this green and ancient land.

“The soil of Norfolk and Suffolk appears to have been very favourable to the production of witches.” - Folklore & Customs of Norfolk by John Glyde, Jun. 1872.

In this new series of articles, (which going forward will be exclusive to paid subscribers) I will be examining the folklore and history surrounding witchcraft and magick in the region of East Anglia which comprises of the counties Norfolk, Suffolk and more loosely, Cambridgeshire, Essex and sometimes the Lincolnshire Wash.

Adhering to the tenets I set out in my introductory post back in January over the course of several months I will attempt to uncover the ancient roots of magical ritual, explore relationship of the witch with other folkloric beings (couldn’t possibly leave out the fae), examine the surprising survival of the craft in spite of the puritanical witch hunts, review the rise of the Victorian folklorists along their fervent collection of stories and look into the mid 20th century rumours of Norfolk covens with centuries long lineage.

In the sentiment of Mark R. Taylor as written in Folklore Journal nearly 100 years ago:

I have embodied my collection in book form, but so far my publisher shies at the risk of publication. He wants me to find a thousand subscribers, - but I am afraid that number is still far to seek. - Norfolk Folklore by Mark R.Taylor in Folklore Volume 40, 1929 - Issue 2

I am paywalling this series of articles in an attempt to supplement my very meagre income as a part-time freelancer and full time mother of two. I have set my monthly subscriber fee to the lowest Substack allows (£5 per month) or if you choose the yearly subscription it’s £40 for 12 months. I know times are tight right now so if you would like to read but don’t have the funds I have set up a recommendation option, if you recommend

Folklore Fieldwork

to 3 friends and they subscribe you can get 1 months free subscription (this goes up to 3 months for 5 subscribers).

My ‘Missing Fairies of Norfolk’ series and upcoming ‘Lesser Spotted Fairies of Suffolk’ series along with various other folkloric subjects will remain free to all.

So, buckle up, you’re in for a magical ride!