Witch Trial of Grace Sherwood 1706
The 1706 witch trial of Grace Sherwood remains a significant, and unsettling, event in the history of what is now Virginia Beach. Sherwood, accused of witchcraft by multiple neighbors, endured a trial by water – a common practice at the time to determine guilt or innocence based on whether she sank or floated. Her case is among the most well-documented witch trials in colonial Virginia, offering a glimpse into the beliefs and anxieties of the early settlers.
History
Grace Sherwood was born around 1660 in the Parish of Lynnhaven, Princess Anne County, Virginia, an area that now comprises much of modern Virginia Beach. She married Zachariah Sherwood in 1680, and they had ten children. From early in her marriage, Grace was known as a skilled herbalist and midwife, providing assistance to women in the community. However, these skills, combined with her independent nature and occasional disputes with neighbors, gradually led to accusations of witchcraft. The accusations began to escalate in the early 18th century, fueled by crop failures, livestock illnesses, and personal grievances.
The formal accusations against Sherwood began in 1706, with several neighbors, including James Thompson and John Gisby, filing complaints against her in Princess Anne County Court. They alleged that she had used witchcraft to cause harm to people, animals, and property. Specific claims included bewitching livestock, causing illness, and damaging crops. The court, influenced by prevailing beliefs in witchcraft at the time, ordered that Sherwood be examined for evidence of witchcraft. This examination ultimately led to her indictment and trial. [1]
The Trial by Water
The trial of Grace Sherwood took place in July 1706. As was common practice in Europe and colonial America, the court ordered a trial by water to determine her guilt or innocence. This method was based on the belief that water, a symbol of purity, would reject a witch. Sherwood was bound, gagged, and thrown into the Lynnhaven River. The outcome of the trial was decisive: she floated.
Floating was considered proof of guilt, as it was believed that water would reject someone who had made a pact with the devil. Despite Sherwood’s protestations of innocence, the court found her guilty of witchcraft. She was sentenced to imprisonment, initially for one year. However, her imprisonment was repeatedly extended, lasting until 1709, when she was finally released after paying a substantial fine. [2]
Culture
The trial of Grace Sherwood reflects the cultural anxieties and superstitions prevalent in early colonial Virginia. The settlers, facing the hardships of a new environment, were susceptible to beliefs in supernatural forces and the power of witchcraft. The accusations against Sherwood were often rooted in personal disputes and misunderstandings of her skills as a herbalist and midwife. Women who possessed knowledge of healing and herbal remedies were frequently viewed with suspicion, as their abilities were often attributed to supernatural powers.
The case also highlights the role of gender in witchcraft accusations. The vast majority of those accused of witchcraft in both Europe and colonial America were women. This was often due to societal perceptions of women as being more susceptible to evil influences and their association with domestic spaces and healing practices. The trial of Grace Sherwood serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by women who challenged societal norms or possessed knowledge that was not readily understood. The City of Virginia Beach acknowledges the historical significance of this event and its impact on the community. [3]
Legacy and Modern Interpretations
In the centuries since her trial, Grace Sherwood has become a symbol of injustice and a reminder of the dangers of superstition. Her story has been revisited by historians, folklorists, and writers, who have sought to understand the circumstances surrounding her accusation and trial. Modern interpretations of the case often emphasize the role of social and economic factors in fueling the accusations against her. Some scholars argue that Sherwood was targeted because she was an independent woman who challenged the authority of the local gentry.
The site of Sherwood’s trial by water, near the Lynnhaven River, is now a historical marker and a place of remembrance. The marker serves as a reminder of the injustice she suffered and the importance of protecting individual rights. The story of Grace Sherwood continues to resonate with people today, prompting reflection on issues of gender, power, and the dangers of unchecked accusations. [4]
Attractions
While there isn’t a dedicated museum solely focused on Grace Sherwood, the historical marker commemorating her trial is located near the Lynnhaven River, offering visitors a place to reflect on this significant event. The surrounding area provides opportunities for exploring the natural beauty of Virginia Beach, including walking trails and scenic views. The nearby Lynnhaven House, a historic colonial home, offers insights into the life and times of early settlers in the region, providing context for the era in which Sherwood was accused.
Furthermore, the Virginia Beach History Museums offer exhibits and programs that explore the broader history of the city, including its colonial past. These museums often feature information about the cultural and social conditions that contributed to the witch trials, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the events surrounding Grace Sherwood's case. Visitors interested in learning more about the trial can also find resources at the Virginia Beach Public Library.