famous witch names
What names of famous witches can you think of? If you’re like me recently, not many! For such an instantly recognizable figure of legend and fiction, I found it surprising how few truly famous real witches are still known today. We can think of The Wicked Witch of the East from the Wizard of Oz, Samantha from Charmed and more recently Hermione Granger from Harry Potter, no problem. But outside of imaginary witches, there are also tales of real witches, those who created interest and intrigue in their time. Too many of the true stories of their lives will now be lost, but let’s look at some of the famous witch names from history and what they were famous/infamous for!
Grandmother Boswell 1813 – 1906
A Roma gypsy, she was known as a Cornish witch, but was actually born in Ireland. She was a renowned troublemaker, at least in the eyes of the authorities, she was often seen drunk on the street! But her reputation lives on in a curious story, told by the son of a man who fell victim to her scorn. Since automobiles are such a novelty, Granny Boswell was fascinated to see one about to come towards her, while she was standing in the road! The driver, the narrator’s father, honked and told her to get out of the way. She yelled insults and told him that the vehicle would not go to the end of the road. It was not like that, they collapsed before reaching the end of the street.
Tammy Blee 1798 – 1856
Another of Cornwall’s “cunning people”, Tammy Blee (Tamsin Blight) was known to go into a trance to communicate with the dead. She was also a local amulet maker, working with herbs and divination.
Pendle Hill Witches – 1612
The Pendle Hill witches will go down in history for being at the center of one of Britain’s largest and most notorious witch trials. The most prominent characters were “Old Demdike” and “Old Chattox” who were rivals who brought their entire family to the fight with them! Eleven participated in the trials which were largely based on prejudice, gossip and superstition and there was little hope of being found not guilty. Demdike died in prison while Chattox, along with most of the defendants, went to the gallows.
Joan Wytte 1775 – 1813
Known as “Bodmin’s Fighting Fairy Woman”. While she started out as a clairvoyant and healer, she later turned aggressive due to an abscessed tooth which unfortunately led the locals to believe that she was possessed by the devil. She was imprisoned in Bodmin jail, where she died of bronchial pneumonia. Her bones were kept in the Museum of Witchcraft until rumored poltergeist activity forced them to bring in the help of a witch. She said that her Joan wished to be buried and was eventually buried at Boscastle in 1998.
Dolly Pentreath died in 1777
The Fisher Woman of Mousehole. She was a formidable character who stood up to the Press Gang when they arrived to find men to “anneal” for the navy. She was also an astrologer and was believed to have magical powers, but she could always be found smoking her pipe and drinking from her beer glass.
