The Witchiest Village In England

[poliphilo]

There will always be six witches in Canewdon- three of cotton and three of silk. Or so it says. The village owes its fame to the 19th century "witchmaster" George Pickingill (1816- 1909)- a local character about whom stories abound.  According to one of these "traditions" he was Aleister Crowley's teacher- which seems very unlikely.

Run round the 15th century tower of St Nicholas church three times widdershins and you'll be transported back in time. I wish I'd known that before I visited. I might have tried it.

The author of this article says she found Canewdon church sinister and unwelcoming. I found it quite the opposite. I thought the atmosphere was lovely- but that could be because I'm a witch. (Of sorts).

Comments

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

The writer seems to be making huge assumptions so I'm not surprised she found what she expected to find.

I've yet to enter a church that I find sinister.

I've been told that women like me make strong witches although I can't say I've ever noticed.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

I wander round churches and churchyards a lot- usually on my own and sometimes in failing light- and I can't say I've ever felt frightened or oppressed.

I suspect you'd make an excellent witch- if you were inclined that way. :)

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

My Romani ancestry probably give me a touch of the fey! :o)

[athenais.livejournal.com]

I came here to say how can a church be sinister? Silly writer. Nice checkerboard patter on the crenellations. That door frame looks interesting.

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

The dark squares in the checkerboard are knapped flint.

I love flint.

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

Have you visited Newington church just up the road from us?

Wonderful knapwork!

[poliphilo.livejournal.com]

Not yet.

[cmcmck.livejournal.com]

Well, well worth it although you have to trundle off and find the keyholder to get inside.

[sovay]

There will always be six witches in Canewdon- three of cotton and three of silk. Or so it says.

That's absolutely lovely. I had never heard. Thank you!