Exeter UK also had tragic and shameful ‘Witch’ trials

For those who don’t know much about Devon, Exeter, with a population of over 130,000 and 30 minutes by road from East Budleigh, is the county city. 

While Salem is famous as ‘The Witch City’, not too many people know the story of the three so-called witches who were executed in Exeter after their trials at the city’s castle at Northernhay. 

There you can read this inscription on a plaque on the castle wall. ‘THE DEVON WITCHES In memory of Temperance Lloyd, Susannah Edwards, Mary Trembles of Bideford Died 1682 Alice Molland Died 1685  The last people in England to be executed for witchcraft tried here & hanged at Heavitree  In the hope of an end to persecution & intolerance.’  

However, not too far away and until quite recently you could also see the grotesque depiction of three female figures on what was known as ‘The Witches Mural’ near Exeter Library. In 2023 it was decided to commission new artwork to replace what an Exeter Red Coat Guide described as  ‘this fondly regarded and intriguing work’. 

Stuart Crewes, Creative Director of Art Work Exeter, explained: ‘History is an ever-changing thing, as more stories are shared and different perspectives are revealed. While the witches mural was a great celebration of certain aspects of Exeter’s past, it has itself now become part of our histories and stories of this place.’  

If you are interested in the history of early America, and Roger Conant as a peacemaker in troubled times you can join the Devon Peacemaker Festival Facebook group at    

https://www.facebook.com/groups/700424602802079