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Dan Snow's History Hit
The WW2 Witch Trial of Hellish Nell
Jan 4, 2024
Jess Marlton, manager of Bodmin Jail, discusses the fascinating story of Helen Duncan, the last woman in England to be tried as a witch. They delve into Duncan's showmanship as a medium, the analysis of her ectoplasm, and the government's motives. The podcast explores the rise of mediumship in the 1920s and the role of the industrial revolution. It also uncovers the mysterious WW2 witch trial involving Duncan and her ability to swallow and regurgitate cheesecloth. The trial itself is discussed, including the embarrassment of trying someone for witchcraft in the 20th century. The aftermath of Duncan's trial and the ongoing debate about her practice are also explored.
38:21
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Quick takeaways
- Helen Duncan, aka Hellish Nell, a Scottish medium, was tried as a witch in 1944 under the Witchcraft Act of 1735 for her fraudulent methods of creating ectoplasm during seances.
- The trial of Helen Duncan marked a shift in how witchcraft was prosecuted and led to the repeal of the Witchcraft Act in 1951, resulting in the introduction of the Fraudulent Mediums Act.
Deep dives
Helen Duncan: The Last Witch Trial in England
Helen Duncan, a Scottish medium known as Hellish Nell, was tried as a witch in 1944 under the Witchcraft Act of 1735. Despite being known for her showmanship and ability to contact the dead during seances, Helen was exposed as a fraud. Photographs revealed that her ectoplasm was a concoction of cheesecloth, muslin, papier-mâché, and egg white. She even regurgitated yards of cheesecloth coated with egg white to create the illusion. Despite witness testimonies in her favor, Helen was convicted and served a nine-month sentence in Holloway Prison. She continued practicing as a medium and faced fines for fraudulence in the 1950s. Her descendants are still fighting to clear her name.
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