Overview
Explore the dark history of Matthew Hopkins, the infamous Witchfinder General, in this 26-minute video. Delve into the brutal witch hunts of 1640s England, examining Hopkins' methods, motivations, and the lasting impact of his actions. Learn about the societal context of Puritan England and 16th-century beliefs about witchcraft. Discover the Manningtree Witches case and the Tendring Hundred witch hunt that launched Hopkins' career. Analyze the witch-finding techniques employed, the profile of typical victims, and how Hopkins profited from his gruesome work. Investigate the opposition that arose against the witch hunters and the circumstances surrounding Hopkins' death. Conclude with an overview of how these events contributed to the end of English witch hunts and influenced later witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts.
Syllabus
Who was Matthew Hopkins?
Puritan England
Witches in 16th century England
The Manningtree Witches
The Tendring Hundred witch hunt
Witch finding techniques
Victim profile of witches
Earning money as a witch finder
East of England witch hunt
Opposition to the witch hunters
The Death of Matthew Hopkins
The End of English Witch Hunts
Taught by
Dan Davis History