In March 1712 Jane Wenham, who became known as ‘the witch of Walkern’, was condemned to death for witchcraft at the age of 16.
She was found guilty of the charge at Hertford Assizes after being accused of flying and speaking to Satan in the shape of a cat.
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On March 4, 1712, she was found guilty and became the last woman to be condemned to death for witchcraft in England. Her saviour came in the form of William Cowper, 1st Earl Cowper, whose family seat was at Cole Green Park.
Thanks to Earl Cowper’s intervention, Wenham was given a Royal pardon by Queen Anne, and was allowed to live out her days in a cottage on his land in Hertingfordbury.
300 years since ‘last witch’ was saved in Hertfordshire