The Witch of Pungo: Grace Sherwood in Virginia History and Legend

By: Scott O. Moore

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Synopsis: The authoritative cultural history of Virginia&’s most famous accused witch In 1706, Grace Sherwood was &“ducked&” after her neighbors in Princess Anne County accused her of witchcraft. Binding and throwing her into the Lynnhaven River, they waited to see whether she would float to the top (evidence of her guilt) or sink (proof of her innocence). Incredibly, she survived. This bizarre spectacle became an early piece of Virginia folklore as stories about Sherwood, the &“Witch of Pungo,&” spread. Her legend still looms large in Tidewater. In 2006, Governor Tim Kaine even issued an informal pardon of Sherwood, read aloud by the mayor of Virginia Beach before the annual reenactment of Sherwood&’s ducking. This is the first book to explore Grace Sherwood&’s life and cultural impact in depth. Anyone interested in colonial Virginia, American folklore, and the history and legacy of witch trials will find much to enjoy in this spellbinding book.

Book Quality:: Publisher Quality
ISBN-13:: 9780813951317
Related ISBNs:: 9780813951300
Publisher:: University of Virginia Press
Date of Addition:: 05/22/24
Copyrighted By:: the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia
Adult content:: No
Language:: English
Has Image Descriptions:: No
Categories:: History, Nonfiction, Health, Mind and Body, Social Studies
Grade Levels:: College Freshman, College Sophomore, College Junior, College Senior, Graduate Student, Undergraduate Student
Submitted By:: Bookshare Staff
Usage Restrictions:: This is a copyrighted book.