In this episode we speak to Professor of Renaissance and Magical Literatures, Marion Gibson from University of Exeter.

From Salem to rural Sussex - Marion investigates witch trials and what they can tell us about culture, politics, religion and gender throughout history.

Marion helps us explore questions:

Were women the only ones accused of casting spells?
What motivated communities to turn on their friends?
Why might some women be seen as dangerous and 'bewitching'?

Marion's book on witches in Essex, 'The Witches of St Osyth: Persecution, Betrayal and Murder in Elizabethan England', is now available.  And check out Marion's latest book, Witchcraft: A History in Thirteen Trials, which investigates some of the most famous trials from the middle ages to the 18th century and takes us in new and surprising directions.