Matthew Hopkins

Matthew Hopkins

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Matthew Hopkins was an infamous figure in 17th century England, known for his role in the witch trials that swept across the country. Born in 1620 in Wenham, Suffolk, Hopkins grew up to become a self-appointed “Witchfinder General,” a title he gave himself as he went from town to town, accusing and executing people for witchcraft.

Hopkins was not a trained lawyer, judge, or even a clergyman. He was, however, a zealous believer in the existence of witches and their ability to cause harm to people and property. He claimed that he had been called by God to rid England of witches and that he was doing God’s work.

Hopkins’ first known witch-hunt was in 1645 in the town of Manningtree, Essex. He and his assistant, John Stearne, accused several women of witchcraft, claiming that they had caused sickness and death in the town. Hopkins used methods such as “pricking” and “swimming” to determine if a person was a witch. He would prick the accused with a needle or sharp object and if the person did not feel pain or bleed, it was believed that they were a witch. Swimming was another test in which the accused was tied to a chair and thrown into a river or lake. If they floated, they were believed to be a witch, but if they sank, they were innocent.

Hopkins’ methods were unscientific and barbaric, but many people in the 17th century believed in witchcraft and were willing to accept his methods as valid. Hopkins and Stearne were paid for their services, and their income was supplemented by the sale of confiscated property belonging to those accused of witchcraft.

Hopkins was not the only person conducting witch-hunts during this time, but he was the most prolific. He and Stearne traveled throughout Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk, accusing and executing people for witchcraft. They claimed to have sent over 200 people to their deaths during their witch-hunting career.

Hopkins was eventually brought to trial himself in 1647, accused of falsely accusing people of witchcraft. He was acquitted of these charges and continued his witch-hunting activities. However, his reputation was tarnished, and he eventually retired from his witch-finding career in 1647.

Matthew Hopkins’ legacy is a dark stain on the history of England. His methods were cruel and unscientific, and many innocent people lost their lives because of his witch-hunts. His legacy also highlights the dangers of religious zealotry and the potential for abuses of power by those who claim to be doing God’s work.

In modern times, Hopkins is often portrayed as a villain, and his name has become synonymous with the persecution of witches. His story has been the subject of several books and films, including the 1968 horror film “Witchfinder General,” which starred Vincent Price as Hopkins.

Today, the legacy of the witch trials and Matthew Hopkins serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of superstition, hysteria, and intolerance. It is a reminder that we must be vigilant against those who seek to use fear and ignorance to gain power over others.

In conclusion, Matthew Hopkins was a controversial and polarizing figure in 17th century England. He was a self-appointed Witchfinder General who traveled from town to town, accusing and executing people for witchcraft. His methods were barbaric and unscientific, and his legacy is a dark stain on the history of England. Hopkins’ story serves as a warning about the dangers of religious zealotry and the potential for abuses of power by those who claim to be doing God’s work.