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Folklore is the study of beliefs and practices once firmly held. Few now believe in charms in giants and fairies, but less than a century ago people in lonely places believed in them. In Worcestershire and it's borders, there are prehistoric remains though.
The Bewdley Witch. Kidderminster Witches 1660c. The Shrawley Witch. The Witches Sister. Edward .C.Corbett and the Telling of Folk Tales. Rebecca Swan, the Kidderminster Witch. The Salt Lane Witch. Trial by Water. Witchcraft in Worcestershire.
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The Witch's Sister
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Becky had a sister, Eliza Swan, noted for her charms, who kept a diary, and lived in Kidderminster, working as a hand weaver. She was often in great poverty and was sent to prison for debt. Her diary dates between 1797 and 1821, and is full of dreams, remedies and charms. One charm used when she cut her finger went as follows:
'Christ was born in Bethlehem and was christened in the River Jordon, In the waters stand and say "Command this blood in the name of the Father, Stay blood, in the name of the Holy Ghost. Stay Blood".
The charm instructs that every time the word blood is mentioned, you must say the person's name. |
| Posted: 05/03/2003 20:56:08
Last Updated: 01/07/2005 18:09:13
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