Event Description
This talk will explore the history, customs, and superstitions surrounding witchcraft in Cornwall over the centuries. We’ll look at some examples of individuals who were deemed to be witches, their role within the community, and how the people around them perceived them.
From so-called ‘White witches’ and ‘black witches’ to Pellars, conjurors, and charmers, we’ll explore a wide range of beliefs in magic and folk remedies. We’ll consider how many of these beliefs and superstitions have since been lost and whether any of them remain with us to this day.
Keith Wallis works in theatre and film and is the host of ‘ The Piskie Trap,’ a podcast series exploring the folklore, history and legends of Cornwall. His recent work has involved collaborations with leading historians, writers, folklorists and storytellers as part of a movement to preserve local folklore traditions and promote Cornish history and heritage.