Canewdon - Legends of Witchcraft and Ghosts

Legends of Witchcraft and Ghosts

There is much unsubstantiated superstition surrounding the village. George Pickingill (1816-1909) who, living in the village during the late 19th century, was said to practice a combination of Danish paganism, Arabic mysticism, Christian heresy and French witchcraft. Generations were influenced by the Danish with Canute the Great's invasion in the 11th century and that of French and Flemish weavers, some of whom brought French witchcraft and heretical beliefs of the Cathars to England. Although rooted in the Old Craft, George was feminine-centric, based on goddess worship and search for female witches. Under his guidance, 9 covens were created in Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Sussex. He apparently called witches for a meet near St. Nicholas church with a wooden whistle.

Local legend proclaims that there will always be at least six witches, three of cotton (lower class) and three of silk (higher class).

The earliest written accusation of witchcraft appears to be that of Rose Pye, a spinster who in 1580 was said to be living as a witch and responsible for bewitching to death in August 1575 Johanna Snow or Johanne Snowe, a 12 month old child from Scaldhurst Farm in Canewdon. The case went to court where Rose pleaded not guilty. Although acquitted, Rose remained and died in jail a few months after her acquittal. Five years later Cicely Makin was accused of witchcraft and unable to find five people who would swear that she was not a witch. After given five years to mend her ways without success, Cicely was excommunicated from the church.

There are many ghost stories within the village, most again central to the church. The most famous ghost is the grey lady who reportedly floats down from the church's west gate towards the river Crouch.