An exhibition on witchcraft at Ryedale Folk Museum in the North York Moors is exploring how fear historically led to “magical thinking.” The exhibit, titled *Believe It Or Not?*, features over 200 artifacts, including crystal balls and “witch posts.” Researcher Rosie Barratt explained that the display aims to highlight how people in the past were frightened by life’s unpredictability, unlike today’s more secure society.
Running until November 17, the exhibition focuses on the North York Moors region’s history with witchcraft. Barratt shared that many women in the area were accused of being witches, with evidence from the 19th-century Calvert manuscript showing that each village had its own so-called witch. The exhibition seeks to humanize these women, acknowledging them as real people rather than merely a collective label.
The exhibit also delves into the superstitions that drove these beliefs, with fear and insecurity pushing people to seek protection through magical symbols and rituals. One method involved marking objects with St. Andrew’s Cross, or “saltire,” a symbol seen on witch posts displayed at the museum.
Museum director Jennifer Smith pointed out the protective markings on these posts and invited the public to contribute to a growing database of these rare objects. The museum is keen to learn more about the history and locations of witch posts in the region.
