The Witches of Bideford

In the 16th century Bideford on the North Devon coast was Britain's third largest port with a growing population of 2,600. Religion and folklore played important parts in the lives of the people who lived there. The 17th Century not only saw the reviving interest in witchcraft but also the fear and superstition of those who practised it.

In August 1682, three women from Bideford North Devon were arrested, they were tried at the assizes in Exeter Castle on the 14th August 1682 and found guilty. On 25th of August 1682 they were hung at Heavitree, which is just outside the city- their crime was witchcraft.

Their names were Temperance Lloyd, Susanna Edwards and Mary Trembles, they became known as The Witches of Bideford, they were also the last people to be executed for witchcraft in England.