Grace Sherwood of Colonial Virginia: Was She or Wasn't She a Witch?
Being immersed in Grace Sherwood's trial was something to write about.
Grace Sherwood was known as the "Pungo Witch."
Living on the doorstep of Colonial Williamsburg (CW), I've had attending a performance of Cry Witch on my wish-list for awhile. Performances are one of my favorite art forms. And I finally got to this one.
Quick shout out to Katharine Pittman for making sure it happened. In addition to portraying Martha Dandridge Custis Washington, she's a true historian who has adopted Cry Witch as a "pet project." Thank GOODNESS!
If you haven't already guessed, Cry Witch portrays a witch trial. To be specific, it's a creative re-enactment of Grace Sherwood's trial. As 18th century dawned on Colonial Virginia, she was accused- then tried- of witchcraft and has been referenced as the "Pungo Witch."
Grace lived in the community of Pungo, which became part of Princess Anne County Virginia during her life and is now in modern-day Virginia Beach (for purposes of historical research). No one said early Americans weren't practical in names and descriptions- quite the opposite in fact.
RELATED: Click here for more about Grace Sherwood from Encyclopedia Virginia.
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Capitol Building reconstruction on the evening I attended Cry Witch
Here's the thing about Cry Witch: it's immersive and interactive.
Yes, you actually participate. No photos, audio, or video were allowed (and I'm thankful for that!). Sooo you'll have to imagine just a bit.
We lined up outside CW's reconstructed Capitol building- and it was so dark as you can see in my photo above. As my YouTuber friend Lauren would say: "it's a vibe."
Because of where I was in line, I was seated on the jury benches once we got inside. People ahead of me in line were seated at the front as 'judges' and those behind me were in the witness area so to speak.
CW interpreters and actors were mixed in with us and after guiding us into the candlelit General Court, led us on a partially scripted journey. Names and some content were direct from court transcripts (which I'll view at Special Collections on November 20th!!).
However, we were able to ask questions at at the conclusion, vote for guilt or innocence. Thus, only partially scripted.
Facts about witchcraft and Colonial America, not just Virginia.
- A common case you'll find researching: slander; sort of their version of countersuits when getting accused of witchcraft and sent to court. Click here to read a summary of Sarah Bridgman's case, which offers fantastic insight.
- Tests were conducted and councils reviewed multiple factors including inspections for "marks." Click here to read more.
- Virginia's Witchcraft Act was repealed in 1736; officially, the English law against witchcraft was repealed in 1951 through the Fraudulent Mediums Act. An easy read you can find here.
Entrance to cells in Virginia's Gaol, outside the General Court.
What goes into a production like Cry Witch?
I want to really get "behind the curtain" as my friend Katharine Pittman, a driving force behind Cry Witch, mentioned to me. So that's a future post!
In the meantime, let me share a couple observations:
- Much research was done by CW staff beyond Grace's story. We were offered up an overall insight into witchcraft in Colonial America.
- It's clear that CW uses primary sources and will not confirm anything not recorded so that leaves more to uncover and much to learn about this and other cases.
- Planning- so much planning. This production ran seamlessly, which is a feat IMO when you're including the public, fire for light, and a topic that has historical basis from primary sources.
Dig deeper into the fascinating topic of witchcraft in Colonial America.
Of course, if you have the opportunity to visit CW, check for Cry Witch on the events calendar and reserve your ticket!
- It may go without saying to visit Salem if you have the opportunity, but track down other places near your home (do you have any to share? hit the comments or message me on Facebook or Instagram!)
- Here are some places I'm adding to my "someday" list- add them to yours if you haven't been to them yet:
- Learn about Connecticut's 43 witchcraft cases by clicking here- their history with witch trials pre-dates Salem by decades.
- Purchase a book of historical fiction that gives some insight into the complexity and feelings of those not necessarily associated or accused: The Witchfinder's Sister takes place across the pond in England, but I loved it and recommend it.
- Purchase this great find which dives into specific cases and cites primary sources (mainly court documents): Witch-hunting in 17th Century New England. Click here.
- Listen to this fantastic episode on the Stratford Mail podcast!
Before you go, you might be wondering: was Grace Sherwood a witch or wasn't she?
If you attend Cry Witch, you'll get the final bits that make up Grace's story- as far as what's available. But, I want to share that in 2006, then-Governor Tim Kaine officially pardoned Grace. If you have any interest in celebrating her official pardon, here are two ways:
- honor her on July 10th, which is officially recognized as Grace Sherwood Day in Virginia Beach, Virginia
- visit her statue in Virginia Beach (yes, it's on my to-do list- and then photos will be updated LOL)
Closing words from history.
Citation: Witch-hunting in 17th Century New England, by David D. Hall, copyright 1991, page 192.
Excerpt about Rachel Fuller, accused of witchcraft causing the murder of Moses Godfrey, son of John and Mary Godfrey.
"Witnesses to the physical appearance of John Godfrey's child.
We, whose names are underwritten, being called by authority to view a dead child of John Godfrey's, being about a year old upon the 13th of July, 1680, which was suspected to be murdered, we find grounds of suspicion that the said child was murdered by witchcraft: first, in part by what we saw by the dead corpse; second, something we perceived by the party suspected, which was then present, and was examined by authority; and, third, by what was said by the witness.
The names of the jury of inquest:
Thomas Marston,
William Marston,
Foreman, Henry Roby,
Abraham Drake,
Abraham Perkins,
Anthony Taylor,
John Smith,
Thomas Leavitt,
Aratus Leavitt,
Gershom Elkens,
Henry Derbond,
John Sanborne.
This true list was given in upon oath the 13th of July, 1680, before me,
Samuel Dalton, of the Council."
So was Rachel Fuller a witch? It seems she was set free. Click here if you want more information.
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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.
1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.
2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.
3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.
