Suffolk’s dark witch trial history revealed in new Ipswich exhibition

Name: Witches: Suffolk’s Dark Legacy
Start: 2026-10-16
End: 2027-02-21
Location: The Hold

Arts & Entertainment Desk 2026-09-11 10:28 3 min read

Close-up of an open book with historical text and handwritten scholarly notes.

A significant new exhibition exploring the brutal history of the Suffolk witch trials is set to open this autumn at The Hold in Ipswich. Running from 16 October 2026 to 21 February 2027, the event offers a comprehensive examination of the period between 1645 and 1647, a time when nearly 200 people were accused of witchcraft in one of the most widespread persecutions in English history.

Uncovering the history of the trials

The exhibition, titled Witches: Suffolk’s Dark Legacy, examines the volatile social and political climate that fueled the trials, including the impact of the Civil War, religious instability, and widespread economic hardship. It highlights the role of the notorious Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins, whose influence led to the destruction of many lives within tight-knit communities across the region.

Suffolk’s dark witch trial history revealed in new Ipswich exhibition

Visitors will have the opportunity to view rare items that have never been seen in the county before. These artifacts have been secured through loans from national institutions, including the British Library, the V&A, the Tate, The Wellcome Collection, and the Bodleian Libraries. The display is supported by the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund, which assists local museums in accessing national collections, alongside support from Suffolk-based logistics specialists Debach Enterprises.

Key highlights on display include:
* The Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches)
* King James I’s Daemonologie
* Matthew Hopkins’ own A Discovery of Witches
* John William Waterhouse’s painting, The Magic Circle

At a glance: Engagement and community events

Beyond the primary exhibition, Suffolk Archives has organized a series of supplementary events to engage schools, local groups, and the public. This includes a variety of workshops, guided walks, and talks developed in partnership with the University of Suffolk’s English Department.

To mark the season of Samhain and Halloween, the archives have collaborated with the local spiritual and wellness space, Mugwort and Mistletoe. This programming will include activities such as tarot and bone reading, plant lore workshops, and wellbeing sessions. The exhibition also traces the evolution of the ‘witch’ as a cultural symbol, exploring its transition from a figure of fear to a modern icon of independence and women’s rights, with additional support from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Cornwall.

Visiting The Hold

The exhibition is scheduled to remain open to the public throughout the winter season until 21 February 2027. Those interested in attending can find full booking details and further information via the official Suffolk Archives website at https://suffolkarchives.co.uk/pages/witches. Please note that specific daily opening times and entry costs were not provided in the initial council announcement; visitors are encouraged to check the booking portal for the most up-to-date schedule and ticket availability before planning their visit.

Source: Suffolk County Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Fact-verified event preview

This preview is based on the official exhibition announcement provided by Suffolk Archives and the local authority.

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