THE NORTH RIDING PROJECT

I have no doubt at all of the very real and the very deep-seated existence of a belief in the actuality and the power of the witch.  Nay, I make no doubt whatever that the witch herself, in multitudes if instances, believed in her own power quite as firmly as any of those who had learned to look upon her with a dread almost reminding one of the African dread of fetish.  Fifty years ago the whole atmosphere of the folklore firmament in this district was so surcharged with the being and the works of the witch, that one seemed able to trace her presence and her activity in almost every nook and corner of the neighbourhood. 

Atkinson/Parish

Among the other witches are Awd Kathy of Pieburn, Awd Nan Scaife who used a magic cube, Sally Craggs who could change into a cat, Esther Mudd who used the evil eye, Emma Todd who was well versed in the black arts, Nancy Nairs who used a crystal, Peggy Devell who used a magic book, Awd Jennie who terrified local people with her spells and incantations, and Awd Mally who could turn into a hare.

Walker/Murders