In this episode, we delve into the harrowing events of Ireland’s last witch trials, which took place in 1711 in Carrickfergus, County Antrim. The story begins with the sudden death of Ann Haltridge, an elderly widow and the victim of months of supernatural torment. After her funeral, her niece, Mary Dunbar, arrived at the family home, only to fall prey to terrifying symptoms of demonic possession, from convulsions to levitating.
Over a single month, Mary accused eight local women of using witchcraft to attack her and summon demons. Despite their denials, the women were convicted under the Irish Witchcraft Act and sentenced to imprisonment and public punishment in the pillory. The case took another dark turn when Mary’s health deteriorated further, and William Sellor, a relative of two convicted women, was accused and likely executed for his supposed role in bewitching her.
Tune in as we uncover the details of this little-known chapter of Irish history.
My Special Guest Is Dr. Andrew Sneddon
Dr Andrew Sneddon is senior lecturer in history at Ulster University and joint editor of leading journal, Irish Historical Studies. His monographs on witchcraft and magic include: Witchcraft and Whigs (2012), Possessed by the Devil …. History of Islandmagee Witches 1711 (2013/2024), Witchcraft and Magic in Ireland (2015), and Representing Magic in Modern Ireland (Cambridge University Press 2022). His next book, Disability and Magic in early Modern Britain and America (CUP) will appear in late 2024. He is also editing a collection of essays for Bloomsbury on the cultural history of magic in enlightenment Europe and has written numerous book chapters and journal articles. He currently leads a digital and creative public history project dedicated to the Islandmagee trials: www.w1711.org
In this episode, you will be able to:
1. Explore the chilling events that led to Ireland’s last witch trials.
2. Discover more about the role of demonic possession and accusations of witchcraft in 18th-century Ireland.
3. Reflect on how fear, suspicion, and supernatural beliefs shaped the fates of the accused women.
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