St Osyth Witches facts for kids
The St Osyth Witches refers to a group of women who were accused of witchcraft in 1582. This happened in a village called St Osyth, which is near Brightlingsea in Essex, England. Fourteen women faced trial, and some were found guilty under the laws of that time.
Who Was Ursula Kemp?
The first person accused in St Osyth was a woman named Ursula Kemp. People believed she could remove curses that others had put on them using witchcraft. Because of this reputation, a woman named Grace Thurlowe accused Ursula of being a witch herself.
The Witchcraft Trial
During the trial, Ursula Kemp's eight-year-old son gave important information. Partly because of his words and partly because the court promised to be kind to her, Ursula confessed to practicing witchcraft. As often happened in those days, her confession also led to other people she knew being accused.
The accusations against Ursula Kemp were varied. They included claims that she stopped beer from brewing correctly and even caused someone's death through magic. At that time, causing death through sorcery could lead to being put to death.
When the trial ended, Ursula Kemp was put to death by hanging. Another woman, Elizabeth Bennet, was also found guilty. She was accused of causing the deaths of four people using witchcraft and said she had two familiars, which were like spirit helpers.
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