The Witch Finder’s Sister Talk – Beth Underdown

Winner of the 2017 HWA Debut Crown

Published by Penguin | Thursday 11 January 2018

Join author Beth Underdown for a reading and talk on her award winning book “The Witchfinder’s Sister” at the 1620s House & Garden…itself home to a number of witch marks designed to keep the witches out!

‘A compelling debut from a gifted storyteller’ Sarah Perry, author of The Essex Serpent

The number of women my brother Matthew killed, so far as I can reckon it, is one hundred and six…

1645 – When Alice Hopkins’ husband dies in a tragic accident, she returns to the small Essex town of Manningtree, where her brother Matthew still lives. But home is no longer a place of safety. Matthew has changed, and there are rumours spreading through the town: whispers of witchcraft, and of a great book, in which he is gathering women’s names.

To what lengths will Matthew’s obsession drive him?

And what choice will Alice make, when she finds herself at the very heart of his plan?

After the talk there will be an opportunity for Questions and Answers.

Copies of  “The Witchfinder’s Sister” book will also be available to purchase and Beth is happy to sign them.

Pre Booking is recommended as tickets are limited to 35.

Tickets are £6.00 per person and are available from The 1620s House & Garden during opening times (Thursday to Sunday 10.30 am to 4.30 pm), from Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre Ticket Office (7 days a week from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm) or by calling 01455 290429 (7 days a week from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm)

Beth Underdown lectures in Creative Writing at the University of Manchester. She came across a brief mention of the 1640s ‘Witchfinder General’ Matthew Hopkins while reading a book about midwifery, igniting an interest which turned into an all-consuming hunt for the truth about this infamous killer