Witchcraft in England

Christina Hole’s illustrated history surveys English beliefs and practices associated with witchcraft, from ancient rites and sorcery to later forms of popular magic. Its subjects include maleficium, familiars, methods used to identify suspected witches, alleged fraud, and the relationship between witchcraft and religion.

The book also considers white witches and their comparatively benign practices, alongside prophets, astrologers and claims of witchcraft in high places. Hole examines how harmful magic was understood, how accusations were investigated, and why belief declined. Her treatment distinguishes documented traditions and historical claims from the theory of an enduring pagan witch cult, while noting that some rites and beliefs may have pre-Christian origins.