The Witchfinder

The Doctor tells Yaz to go back and talk with Willa to find out more about what's been going on in Bilehurst Cragg. Unknown to them a masked figure is watching them from the trees. In Becka's manor, the Doctor wonders why the village is celebrating so much. Becka explains defeating the devil is a cause of celebration. The Doctor asks how the devil has manifested itself; to which Becka lists several natural things that have gone wrong. Ryan asks how witches fit into the scenario if everything is caused by "the devil". Becka explains that witches are associated with him, so killing witches will defeat the devil.

They've successfully killed 35 witches. The Doctor, Ryan and Graham are disgusted with Becka, as she's clearly been scapegoating women to explain the terrible conditions of the land. Becka explains King James' new bible says "suffer not a witch to live"; the Doctor chips in that it's from the Old Testament. She should read the New Testament - "Love thy neighbour. The Doctor says that King James would have something to say about her methods. At that moment, the masked man enters and removes his mask, revealing himself to be King James I ; he travels incognito due to his numerous enemies.

He has travelled to this village after hearing rumours of Becka's heroic efforts to drive the devil out of her town. The Doctor brandishes the psychic paper again to pass herself as a witchfinder general; however, due to the king's sexism, he instead reads it as witchfinder assistant, making him think Graham is in charge. The Doctor instead says she works to gain the trust of witches so they can be trapped, while Ryan states he does paperwork.

Despite Team TARDIS's attempts to dissuade the duo against more senseless murder, both agree that by the end of the day, they will have driven the devil out of the town, even if it means killing everyone in it. In the meantime, Yaz finds Willa doing some kind of ceremony for her grandmother, whom she just buried recently. Before Yaz can approach to talk to her, she sees a tendril reach out of the ground and attempt to grab Willa. Yaz grabs the nearby shovel and smashes the tendril with everything she's got, reducing it to shreds.

Willa is scared and runs away. In Becka's manor, the Doctor goes snooping around with Graham and Ryan; she is annoyed with how women are ignored and "patronised to death" in this era. They find Becka's room, which has a large axe in it, along with several hankies and an empty medicine bottle. Neither can come to the conclusion she's missing on these facts. Yaz rejoins them, telling the Doctor about the tendril attack.

The Doctor scans the mud that came from it with the sonic screwdriver , which tells her its just plain mud. She decides to go with Yaz to talk with Willa, assigning Graham and Ryan to keeping King James occupied while she's busy. Graham and Ryan converse with the king, who has his loyal protector Alfonso bring in witch hunting artefacts. Inside the king's box of artefacts are several talismans and body parts much to their disgust. He gifts Graham the hat of his previous witchfinder general, whom he shot for betrayal; he gives Ryan an amulet to protect against evil.

When the king decides to go out witch hunting, Graham and Ryan attempt to talk him into taking more elaborate measures by making a list of suspicious people and talking to the townsfolk. However, King James is up for a witch hunt and leaves promptly. Yaz leads the Doctor to Willa's home, introducing her. However, Willa tells them that she's getting as far away from Bilehurst Cragg as she can before the villagers kill her next.

The Doctor tells Willa that she can help, earning an invitation inside. Inside the Twiston home are several bottles and herbs, which Willa explain are used to make medicine; she makes them tea. When Willa brings up the devil, the Doctor tells her that she doesn't believe in it; Willa laughs that her granny told her that there more wonders to be found in nature without having to make anything up.

The Doctor notes she would have loved to meet Mother Twiston; the woman was clearly wiser than most in this era.

Doctor Who recap: Series 37, episode 8 – The Witchfinders

Willa says she feels ill, to which the Doctor says is not true via a scan with the sonic; she's in good health. Yaz explains that Willa feels ill because of the hatred and mistrust people have towards her, something she had to deal with for a year; however, she learned how to overcome the feeling and move forward. They ask about Becka, whom Willa reveals to be her cousin; she simply got lucky and married into a life of privilege. The Doctor explains that they need to find out more about the tendril in order to find out what happened; she takes a bottle to collect a sample.

In the forest, King James tells Ryan about his youth. His father had been murdered by his mother, who was beheaded as punishment; Ryan understands the pain, having lost his mother and grandmother. However, King James then goes on to explain three regents raised him, and all three died in odd ways. Since then many assassination attempts and kidnappings have occurred.

Because of such, he's never trusted another person in his whole life. However, he's made it his life mission to drive the devil out of his country, believing God will protect him if he does divine work. At that moment, a scream is heard; everyone heads to find whoever screamed. At Mother Twiston's burial site, the Doctor examines a piece of the tendril, which is made of mud. However, as the Doctor examines the bit of mud in the bottle, it becomes active.

Yaz and Willa tell the Doctor to look behind her.

Mother Twiston has suddenly appears out of the grave, all muddy; Willa lets out a scream The Doctor realises that there is something in the mud, sentient and its filling dead bodies; she then thinks better of the idea, it wants bodies regardless if they're dead. That's why the tendril went after Willa. The Doctor wonders if the creature wants the piece of mud she collected, giving it away; she quickly pulls back, not wanting the sentient mud to fill her body.

The creature absorbs the mud, gaining better posture and calm. The Doctor wonders if the creature is a single consciousness or one of many; Yaz tells the Doctor to look again. Suddenly, more corpses possessed by mud appear. The Doctor says its good to get quick answers.

Willa thinks they're witches, but the Doctor tells her they're not. The King's group arrives, making the same mistake. Becka declares Willa a witch despite the obvious fact the mud creatures are being hostile towards her. The Doctor brandishes her sonic screwdriver, but the king orders Alfonso to kill the witches.

Despite the Doctor's pleas to stay away, Mother Twiston unleashes a shockwave that kills Alfonso. The Doctor orders everyone to run. Matthew Hopkins , Alice Hopkins. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about The Witchfinder's Sister , please sign up.

This question contains spoilers… view spoiler [Was Joseph actually the product of Bridget and Alice's father's d'alliance? Is this why Bridget, Matthew and the mother opposed Alice and Joseph marrying; because they are actually half siblings from the same father? Alice mentions early on that she and Joseph have similar colouring while Matthew is dark. Just curious because it is alluded to but never specified. Tyra This answer contains spoilers… view spoiler [Joseph was older than Alice. And I think that Bridget had the affair with Alice's father after Matthew was conceived hide spoiler ].

Or is just lovey dovey? Kymberli Ward It's definitely not "lovey-dovey. I don't believe it would …more It's definitely not "lovey-dovey. It is horrifying, at times, but that's more my reaction to what actually went on in the s England witch hunts, and the way people lived; the fear, superstition, and women as chattel.

It's an excellent book, but if you're looking for gothic horror such as Shirley Jackson, et al, this doesn't fit the bill IMO. See all 3 questions about The Witchfinder's Sister…. Lists with This Book. Long before the Salem witch trials, there were the Manningtree witch trials in Essex England, and for many women it was a time of pure terror. London , and Alice Hopkins finds herself pregnant, and having to return to her home village of Manningtree, Essex, after the death of her husband.

Matthew is a cruel, troubled, sullen individual, with a persona of evil about him. Alice discovers that not only is Matthew a ma Long before the Salem witch trials, there were the Manningtree witch trials in Essex England, and for many women it was a time of pure terror. Alice discovers that not only is Matthew a man of influence these days, but he is also a merciless hunter of witches! His very name incites terror in the hearts of ordinary people for miles around.

Alice does her best to reign Matthew in, but he won't be thwarted in his quest to bring these so called witches to trial. In trying to understand his motives, she also uncovers some dark secrets going back to when they were very young, but in doing so, she puts her own life in peril. Oh boy, this was a harrowing tale, made more so by the fact that Matthew Hopkins actually existed, and the trials are well documented. He took the office of Witchfinder General upon himself, very much self appointed, and he was never officially recognised by parliament.

Women were tried as witches for the most menial of things - some were just a bit different, a little eccentric, some were lonely individuals unable to fend for themselves, or perhaps some of them had mental health problems - some were even reported for witchcraft by neighbours with a score to settle. But whichever means brought them to Hopkins attention, one thing was for certain, they were doomed. He and his henchmen were responsible for over women going to the gallows.

Though this story is based on fact, the author has woven a fictional tale around it, for it isn't known whether Matthew Hopkins actually had a sister. All I can say is that Beth Underdown has created a wonderful historical thriller, and though the subject matter is really heartbreaking to read at times, it is SO worth it.

An excellent debut novel! View all comments. Dec 07, Debra rated it really liked it. Essex, England, Alice Hopkins is a pregnant widow who must return to her hometown of Manningtree, Essex, to reside with her brother, Matthew Hopkins. She has not seen him in five years and finds that he has changed.

The Witchfinder's Sister by Beth Underdown

He is no longer the young man who loves scripture. Matthew is now a man with power and influence. He has become a powerful man who is feared as he is a hunter of witches. He has a list of names and carefully takes notes as he interviews those who have been accused of witch craft.

Alice tries to change his mind, but soon finds his mind cannot be changed. He is on a mission and soon makes her take part in his witch hunts. Witch hunts that occurred in England. Matthew Hopkins was a real witch hunter who in fact "is believed to have been responsible for the executions of alleged witches between the years and " information from Wikipedia In his short reign more people mainly women were hanged than in the previous one hundred years.

Can you even imagine what it was like to live during those times? One need only blink the wrong way and be accused. If people did not like you, if you were the least bit different, if you did not comply with societal norms, or someone had a grudge against you - you could be accused. I also happen to love books about witches and accused witches. This book was no exception. In the Author's notes she tells where she took liberties a lot and made up characters i. Alice Hopkins and where she interwove fact.

Be sure to read that section as well! I found this book to be well-written and compelling. This book is thought provoking and frightening. What a scary time in history - this book showcases the horrific treatment and persecution of those accused and the ways in which women were proven to be witches. I love books that not only entertain but educate and evoke feeling. I am quite familiar with the Salem Witch Trials in the U. A lot of research went into this book and I thought she did a great job writing a story around real events and a real person.

It's heartbreaking to think about what women endured and suffered during those times. It would have sat on my to-read pile had you not sent me a link to your review! View all 44 comments. Lisa Awesome review Debra so glad you enjoyed XO: Dec 15, Matthew Stafford was called the witch finder, a man who for unknown reasons pursued across many counties all rumors and gossip of supposed witches.

In this novel the author attempts to give us a reason why Stafford acted and believed as he did. Our narrator is Eliza, Matthew's sister, who has returned to Manningtree, after the death of her husband, a marriag 3. Our narrator is Eliza, Matthew's sister, who has returned to Manningtree, after the death of her husband, a marriage Matthew has heartedly disapproved of, pregnant and without means.

She will, unwillingly, become embroiled in Matthew's continuous and unceasing hunt for witches. Despite her efforts to change Matthew's course, she is largely unsuccessful but she does discover many secrets kept within her family. This was a dark time and it is to be expected that this is a very dark book. The atmosphere is deftly done, authentic seeming to the period. What was done to these women by those who were either jealous, coveted their goods, or just by fear, was horrific.

So many were elderly, without family and all were powerless against the witchhunter, who was bent on finding evidence in whatever way possible. A hard book to read because we know this really happened and few attempted to stop it. The author takes us to the end of Matthew's life, which fortunately wasn't very long. An author's note is included telling us what was true or not and provides details of her research.

The ending of the book was both ironic and somehow fitting. View all 11 comments. Turn over the stone and you will find another history, wriggling to escape. Termed the Witchfinder, Matthew Hopkins has a list of names and scours the countryside of Essex and Suffolk in s "These last months, I have learned that the acknowledged history that belongs to the daylight, that is not the only history. Termed the Witchfinder, Matthew Hopkins has a list of names and scours the countryside of Essex and Suffolk in search of those accused of witchcraft. It is a time of suspicion and fear, and author Beth Underdown effectively conveys the tension through her skillful writing.

This is a fictional story, but with roots embedded loosely in true accounts of the time. Matthew Hopkins was a real person, but it is unknown whether he in fact had a sister or not. In this novel, Alice Hopkins is both narrator and sibling to the witchfinder, and it is through her that we learn of a year full of accusations and darkness. She, along with her unborn child, seeks refuge with her brother with whom she hopes to reconcile after five years of disagreement and silence.

While Matthew quickly takes her in and provides shelter, Alice soon comes to realize that it will be at a great cost to her. Murmurs of a book of names as well as hushed gossip about certain women of the town swiftly reach her ear. Upon settling down at the inn where her brother currently resides, Alice learns that it is from these headquarters, so to speak, that Matthew conducts his loathsome business.

Before long, Alice will be unwillingly induced to assist with his acts of questioning and testing the accused.

Matthew Hopkins

In particular, if you happened to be a woman that was unconventional in any way, shape or form — independent, mentally unstable, promiscuous, or just plain eccentric — it seems you were not safe from being labeled as a witch. Alice understood him and nurtured him; he depended on her devotion. But there is a secret lurking in the background as well, and Alice tries to put together small pieces of a puzzle that she never before questioned as being incomplete - until now.

Perhaps she can make sense of the madness. Maybe she can convince Matthew to cease his accursed mission. I thought that this was a very well-written, interesting piece of historical fiction. The book is in no way melodramatic; rather a thread of unease and a haunting tone are woven throughout.

This is not a gruesome, hide-under-the-covers sort of a read, but a chilling reminder of what can go wrong when paranoia, prejudice and abuse of power get into the minds and hands of misguided and wicked human beings. It is a choice to look at what distresses you, and a choice to shut your eyes.

View all 50 comments. That happens rarely to me, almost never.

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I have to warn you that my review will probably be all over the place because I am still finding the words to express my thoughts, but there is one thing I can say for sure: The story follows Alice Hopkins who returns to her childhood town to live with her brother Matthew, after a tragic death Actual rating: The story follows Alice Hopkins who returns to her childhood town to live with her brother Matthew, after a tragic death of her husband. Since she saw him last time, Matthew changed.

He gained a lot of respect and hangs out with powerful men. Despite that, this novel is piece of fiction. The first third of the book was excellent. The author really managed to describe the cold atmosphere that I imagine was present in that time. The second half of the book was boring , which is a shame. There were so many descriptions and so little conversations. I wish we got to see more scenes from trials, but instead we got scenes with Alice hanging out with accused woman. It was somewhat unusual, that is for sure! The end was good.

I really, really liked the last sentence. Overall, I liked the story in general, but I think it could have been told in more interesting way then it was. It had potential to be even better. View all 13 comments. The Witchfinder's Sister is exactly what the title implies: The number of women my brother Matthew killed, so far as I can reckon it, is one hundred and six When Alice Hopkins' husband dies in a tragic accident, she has no choice but to return to the small Essex town of Manningtree, where her brother Matthew still lives. But home is no longer a place of safety.

Matthew has changed, and there are rumours spreading through the town: To what lengths will her brother's obsession drive him? And what choice will Alice make, when she finds herself at the very heart of his plan?

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This is a very interesting book. When you think you have it all figured out, something happens and you start doubting yourself. That is why I was never sure about the supernatural element, although I tend to think magic really exists in the book's universe. She is a woman ahead of her time, a woman who thinks for herself and states her beliefs. As you might imagine for , that gets her into a lot of trouble. Especially with her brother. And speaking of Matthew, he is the product of deficient nurture and nature. I felt sorry for him although he did horrific things to women.

I felt sorry for the child while despising the grownup. The atmosphere of the book is accurate and I praise Beth Underdown for it. It's all about fear and witch hunting. About men controlling their women. It gives you goosebumps. And the ending is simply perfect. Especially that last sentence. It will remind you that you're never entirely safe. View all 8 comments. Find this and other reviews at: I mean no offense to the reviewer or to the author for that matter, but I wholeheartedly disagree with the assessment and am not inclined to pretend otherwise.

The novel centers on the fictitious Alice Hopkins. I obviously understand why Underdown required a female protagonist, but why she chose to create one is beyond my comprehension. James, Thomas, and John. Could a sister have existed? Her mouse-like demeanor bored me to tears, the fact that she is a witness rather than an active participant in much of the narrative inspired a number of yawns, and her inexplicable episode of courage in the final chapters struck me as contradictory to her nature, but I do not discriminate because she lacks real-life inspiration.

Underdown chronicles this moderately well. She also offers up some great details about the realities of witch hunting over the course of the novel, but there is almost nothing about the politics or ideology behind the practice. View all 4 comments. Alice loses her husband in a tragic accident and having no choice returns home to her brother. Alice soon finds herself struggling to accept his words and actions but there is little she can do.

This novel is a mix of history and psychological thriller, Beth Underdown paints a picture — a boy with a troubled past, a real life person who back in that time did what he did — through his fictional sister we see him and he is strangely sympathetic despite his cruel actions. I loved the way the dynamic was drawn between the two of them, a relationship coloured by the social outlook of the time, by the suspicions and beliefs, it was absolutely riveting.

Throughout the read the writing is haunting and atmospheric, with an edge of tension, obviously well researched and cleverly addictive. I was drawn to Alice, a woman who was chained by her circumstances, who wanted to help those whose fiery focus Matthew had, unable to do much but watch on in horror. It was emotionally engaging and scarily riveting.

I took in a breath at the end of the story, a few cleverly placed words made me want to clap my hands over my eyes — but from the first page to that last moment I was totally immersed in this world, not a pleasant place but still entirely brilliantly absorbing and fascinating. They say what happened, but they do not say why. We do know that during the Essex witch trials between the years of and , that hundre "For they say what happened, but not what it was like. We do know that during the Essex witch trials between the years of and , that hundreds of women were investigated for witchcraft and many were murdered as a result of it.

In his determination to rule magic out of Camelot forever, Uther hires the services of Aredian, a terrifying witch hunter who is most feared due to the fact that he stops at nothing in the Wait, Is Mary Poppins a Witch? Share this Rating Title: The Witchfinder 18 Jun 8. Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Edit Cast Episode complete credited cast: The Dragon voice Colin Morgan Uther Pendragon Bradley James