Haunted History Chronicles Podcast: Ireland's Last Witch Trials with Dr Andrew Sneddon

Press/Media: Public Engagement Activities

Description

In this episode, we delve into the harrowing events of Ireland’s last witch trials, which took place in 1711 in Carrickfergus, County Antrim. The story begins with the sudden death of Ann Haltridge, an elderly widow and the victim of months of supernatural torment. After her funeral, her niece, Mary Dunbar, arrived at the family home, only to fall prey to terrifying symptoms of demonic possession, from convulsions to levitating.

Over a single month, Mary accused eight local women of using witchcraft to attack her and summon demons. Despite their denials, the women were convicted under the Irish Witchcraft Act and sentenced to imprisonment and public punishment in the pillory. The case took another dark turn when Mary’s health deteriorated further, and William Sellor, a relative of two convicted women, was accused and likely executed for his supposed role in bewitching her.

Tune in as we uncover the details of this little-known chapter of Irish history.
My Special Guest Is Dr. Andrew Sneddon

Subject

History: witch trials

Period18 Oct 2024

Media contributions

1

Media contributions

  • Title Ireland's Last Witch Trials: The Islandmagee Witches of 1711 with Dr Andrew Sneddon
    Degree of recognitionInternational
    Media name/outletSpotify/Apple/Amazon Podcasts
    Media typeOther
    Duration/Length/Size1hr 29 minutes
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date18/10/24
    DescriptionDr Andrew Sneddon shares his expertise on the trials of the Islandmagee Witches with the Haunted History Chronicles Podcast
    Producer/AuthorHaunted History Chronicles
    URLhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/1kYffD1UHMfX2Oq73m7ObS
    PersonsAndrew Sneddon

Keywords

  • witch trials
  • Irish history