Witches and Witchcraft

A “witch” and her familiars

This workshop would be well suited to Key Stage 2 classes doing a local history study about the Witch trials in Newcastle in 1649, or studying the book Walking With Witches by Lynn Huggins-Cooper. Alternatively it would make a great trip out around Hallowe’en!

The workshop takes place in the Harbottle Suite in the Black Gate. This is an indoor classroom with two toilets (one accessible) and heating. It lasts approximately 90 minutes, though this can be varied if necessary to fit your needs.

Activities include:

• A discussion around the kinds of ‘evidence’ that were used to convict people of witchcraft, looking at the details of real cases

• A class game with some roleplay around the trials in Newcastle

• A handling session of items associated with crime and punishment in the 1600s

• A handling session of items associated with ‘folk magic’, looking at what witches were accused of doing

• A discussion about the witch trials and what we can learn from them today

Learning Outcomes:

The development of Church, state and society in Britain 1509-1745, local history, reflective learning, team working, effective participation, independent enquiry, communication, fun and enjoyment with others, community understanding, community cohesion and tolerance