Dr Andrew Sneddon

Dr Andrew Sneddon Profile Photo

Senior Lecturer, Author

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

11
Oct. 18, 2024

Ireland's Last Witch Trials: The Islandmagee Witches Of 1711 With Dr Andrew Sneddon

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 wit...