Exploration of seventeenth century witch-fever in the North-East of England through eyewitness accounts, plus spells, charms and other hocus pocus from the dark days of history. Stories of witchcraft, wizardry and the supernatural are much in the news today, but in the North-East of England four hundred years ago the supposed threat of witchcraft was very real indeed. Witchfever in the North-East reached its height at the trial and hanging of eighteen alleged witches on Newcastle's Town Moor in 1650. Historian Jo Bath explores eyewitness accounts and historical sources to trace cases of bewitched children, mysterious apparations. Although many of the women accused of these crimes were poor, old and vulnerable, their neighbours believed they had incredible supernatural powers. There are tales too of more knowing purveyors of magic such as the astrologer who made a comfortable living giving racing tips and finding stolen property. Plus spells, charms, and hocus pocus from the dark days of history.