Europa: Stories and Myths (Guernsey Witches)

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Vote for your favourite EUROPA stamp: https://www.posteurop.org/europa2022 - if you like our tales of witches and sorcery make sure you vote for our stamp.

Guernsey, an island steeped in folklore has a long and spell-binding association with witchcraft and many tales of sorcery have been passed down through the generations.

Folklore tells us that many of Guernsey's oldest and best-known families have association with the practice.

Both black and white witches were said to practice in Guernsey, with white witches using their craft solely for the benefit of other people.  Black witches however were said to practice ritual witchcraft, holding assemblies and covens to summon demons and devils.

Many of the old houses and cottages in the west of the island have a strange piece of granite extruding from the chimney; these are known as "witches seats" and are a place for these night-time flyers to stop and rest.

It is believed that over one hundred people were found guilty  of witchcraft in Guernsey in the 16th and 17th centuries.  the last witch trial in guernsey took place in January 1914 when local women, Aimee Lake was charged with witchcraft.

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