Evil hags and mothers: women in witchcraft in Germany

Lyndal Roper talks about the witchcraft trials of 16th and 17h century Germany and asks why witches were so often older women. Many accusations began in the 6 weeks after a baby was born, a period when the mother could not leave the house and was believed to be under the power of the Devil. If a baby failed to thrive, then the new mother might blame the lying-in maid, frequently an older woman. Fears about women's bodies and envy and jealousy between women form part of the background of the figure of the witch.

Suitable for
18+

Admission
£5, Members and concessions £3

Source: http://www.culture24.org.uk//se000073?id=EVENT497837