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The Devil's Neighbours
Fear, Betrayal and the Witchfinder General
The East Anglian Witch-Hunt, Matthew Hopkins and the Witch Trials of 1645–1647. A gripping historical account of England's deadliest witch hunt, where paranoia spread like wildfire and neighbours turned against neighbours.
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About the Book
In 1645, as England tore itself apart in civil war, a new terror emerged from the chaos. Matthew Hopkins, the self-styled Witchfinder General, began a campaign of persecution that would claim over 300 lives in just two years.
This meticulously researched account takes you inside the villages of East Anglia, where suspicion festered and accusation became a weapon. Discover how fear spread through communities, how the innocent were condemned, and how one man's fanaticism left a trail of devastation that still haunts the region today.
From the first accusations in Chelmsford to the final executions, this is the definitive story of England's most notorious witch hunt. A dark chapter of history that reveals the terrifying power of fear and betrayal.
What You'll Discover
Essential reading for history enthusiasts
The Witchfinder's Reign
How Matthew Hopkins exploited civil war chaos to become the most feared man in England, and the methods he used to extract confessions.
The Trials
Inside the courtrooms where spectral evidence condemned the innocent, and the legal machinery that failed to protect the vulnerable.
Community Betrayal
The neighbourly disputes, petty jealousies, and local grudges that fuelled accusations and tore villages apart.
Historical Records
Drawn from original trial documents, parish records, and contemporary accounts to bring this dark period vividly to life.
East Anglia's Shadow
The lasting impact on the region's landscape, folklore, and memory, from haunted locations to modern commemorations.
The Victims' Stories
Humanising narratives of those accused, from village healers to widows, restoring dignity to the forgotten dead.
Uncover the Dark Truth
Available now in paperback and Kindle editions