Discover Suffolk’s dark legacy in landmark witchcraft exhibition

Witches: Suffolk’s Dark Legacy will feature infamous texts such as The Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches), King James I’s Daemonologie, and notorious Witchfinder General Matthew Hopkins’ own A Discovery of Witches - all on loan from the British Library.

There are also prestigious loans from the V&A, Tate, The Wellcome Collection, Bodleian Libraries, and the National Archives. The loans are supported by the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund. Created by the Garfield Weston Foundation and Art Fund, the Weston Loan Programme is the first ever UK-wide funding scheme to enable smaller and local authority museums to borrow works of art and artefacts from national collections. The exhibition has also received generous support from Suffolk-based logistic specialists Debach Enterprises.

Between 1645 and 1647, the Suffolk witch trials were some of the most brutal and widespread in England with nearly 200 people accused.

Drawing on original records, rare books, and period objects, this exhibition explores the intense background of civil war, religious upheaval, and economic hardship that created a boiling pot of fear, suspicion, and persecution. Stories of tightknit communities being torn apart, ordinary lives destroyed, and Hopkins’ looming shadow.

Using prints, books, and paintings including John William Waterhouse’s The Magic Circle on loan from Tate, the exhibition traces how the image of the witch has evolved. From feared hag to modern symbol of independence and resistance, exploring contemporary perceptions of witchcraft and its links to women’s rights, with support from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Cornwall and local practitioners.

The exhibition will run from 16 October 2026 to 21 February 2027 at The Hold Ipswich. It’ll be accompanied by a book and engagement with schools and local groups, as well as an events programme including talks, walks, workshops, and family events too.

Suffolk Archives has also teamed up with spiritual shop and wellness space Mugwort and Mistletoe in Ipswich and others to mark Halloween - also known as Samhain. There'll be a day of activities exploring the season’s traditions with tarot and bone reading, wellbeing sessions, straw plaiting, crafts, plant lore workshops, and a talk.

It’s also teaming with the University of Suffolk’s English Department for a series of workshops and talks inspired by the exhibition.

Cllr Mummery continues: “It brings together some remarkable items from across the country alongside Suffolk’s own records, making it a fascinating experience for anyone with an interest in our county’s past.”

Sophia Weston, Deputy Chair of the Garfield Weston Foundation, said:

“We believe in supporting a diverse range of charities across the UK. From local community initiatives to large national projects, the common thread is that all our grantees make a real positive difference, improving lives and strengthening communities throughout the country. We are delighted that, through the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund, this exhibition will bring remarkable works from national collections to Suffolk, helping to explore and share an important aspect of local history."

Bee Kemball, Managing Director of Debach Enterprises, said:

“As a family business rooted in Suffolk, we're delighted to support this exhibition which transports people back in time to a fascinating and important part of the county's history. Visitors will be moved by the true stories and events of the time and the fantastic items on show."

Catch Witches: Suffolk’s Dark Legacy at The Hold Ipswich, home to Suffolk Archives, a Suffolk County Council service, from 16 October 2026 to 21 February 2027. Book at  https://suffolkarchives.co.uk/pages/witches