The word ‘witch’ – what does it conjure for you? Do you immediately have an image of a hat, broomstick and cat, or an old, warty woman who entraps children in her gingerbread house? Or do you see a young, empowered healer who is targeted simply for being different? Whatever you’re thinking, the unifying feature is probably that the witch is female. But why? How did this stereotype come about?
Join Tabitha Stanmore as she explores the evolution of the image of the witch, and asks why witchcraft has become so bound up with femininity. The answer isn’t as simple as you might think: even at the very height of the witch trials in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, witchcraft was never a solely female crime.
In this unique talk, we will look at the different kinds of magic that were practised in the past – from diabolical harm to fortune-telling, and summoning fairies to necromancy – and consider the different kinds of people who did it. We’ll pick apart some witchcraft icons -  like the pointy hat - and trace their origins. By the end, you will have an idea of how a complex and diverse history of magic became distilled into the monolithic word ‘witch’, and how the witch became a figurehead of feminist movements from around the world
Doors open at 6:30pm, talk starts at 7pm - come down early to grab a good seat!
Follow us on IG @seedtalks
Dr Tabitha Stanmore is a postdoctoral researcher on the Leverhulme-funded Seven County Witch Hunt Project at the University of Exeter, and is specialist in medieval and early modern English magic and witchcraft. Her monograph, Love Spells and Lost Treasure: Service Magic in England from the Later Middle Ages to the Early Modern Era, was published with Cambridge University Press in 2022. Her first book for general readers, Cunning Folk: Life in the Era of Practical Magic, was published in 2024 with the Bodley Head. She has written for TIME, The Conversation and The Telegraph, among others, and featured on Radio 3’s Free Thinking and BBC 4’s Plague Fiction.
Website: tabithastanmore.co.uk
Testimonials from our guests
⭐ 
Great events, amazing speakers on important topics, would recommend! 
- Scott F
 
⭐ 
Expertly run, talks are always super informative and a lot of fun! Couldn’t recommend these enough! 5 star. 
- Owen S
⭐ 
Engaging talks on lots of enriching & inspiring topics. Completely recommend Seed Talks for anyone looking to learn something new in an accessible way! 
- Colette F
Information Source: Seed Talks | eventbrite

Manchester

United Kingdom

Searching for information and tickets regarding The History of Witchcraft and Feminism with Dr Tabitha Stanmore | Friends' Meeting House taking place in Manchester on Jun 26, 2025 (UTC+1)? Trip.com has you covered. Check the dates, itineraries, and other information about The History of Witchcraft and Feminism with Dr Tabitha Stanmore | Friends' Meeting House now! Trip.com has also prepared more similar exciting activities and discounted flight and hotel packages.

The History of Witchcraft and Feminism with Dr Tabitha Stanmore | Friends' Meeting House: Tickets, Dates & Itineraries | Trip.com

The History of Witchcraft and Feminism with Dr Tabitha Stanmore | Friends' Meeting House

The History of Witchcraft and Feminism with Dr Tabitha Stanmore | Trip.com

null | Trip.com

Share your results and see what your friends think!

Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester, Autograph Collection

Near Manchester Piccadilly|City Centre, Manchester

The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel

Etihad Stadium

Book now for tomorrow

Anonymous user

It was nice very experinces. İt was exciting throughout the entire tour. It&#39;s just that the story is spoken very guikly. Therefore alterbative translations into different  languages should be considered .

Chinatown

苏河家园

Stepping into Manchester China City, it seems to be through a time-space tunnel, and instantly enter a place full of Oriental charm. Traditional archway, porch of dragons and phoenixes, full of strong oriental charm. Chinatown is a great place to experience diverse Asian cultures, with restaurants, shops, supermarkets and more.

Hotel Gotham

The Lowry Hotel Manchester

John Rylands Research Institute and Library

没有蜡olling

The John Rylands Library in Manchester, England, known as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world, gives you the illusion of studying in a church. You want to cherish every second and study hard... Mr. Rylands&#39; widow used this unique way to commemorate her husband, John Rylands, which is the highest level of intellectual romance. It really amazed the time, moved the years, and was at peace in the elegance.

The University of Manchester

EN the traveller

The University is located not too far from Chinatown, making this a nice day trip for those looking to checkout a UK university and have a nice meal after.

National Football Museum

Museums

Jmstrvling2001

I really enjoyed the interactive football games they had and there weee many floors filled with things to do. one bonus was that when you buy a ticket you get emailed a barcode and you can come back anytime within 1 year

Time:	Jun 26, 2025 (UTC+1) ENDED
Location:	Friends' Meeting House

The History of Witchcraft and Feminism with Dr Tabitha Stanmore | Friends' Meeting House

Details

Vote

Are you interested in The History of Witchcraft and Feminism with Dr Tabitha Stanmore?

Recommended Products for The History of Witchcraft and Feminism with Dr Tabitha Stanmore | Friends' Meeting House

Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester, Autograph Collection

The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel

Etihad Stadium

Chinatown

Hotel Gotham

The Lowry Hotel Manchester

John Rylands Research Institute and Library

The University of Manchester

National Football Museum

The History of Witchcraft and Feminism with Dr Tabitha Stanmore | Friends' Meeting House

Details

Vote

Are you interested in The History of Witchcraft and Feminism with Dr Tabitha Stanmore?

Recommended Products for The History of Witchcraft and Feminism with Dr Tabitha Stanmore | Friends' Meeting House

Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester, Autograph Collection

The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel

Etihad Stadium

Chinatown

Hotel Gotham

The Lowry Hotel Manchester

John Rylands Research Institute and Library

The University of Manchester

National Football Museum

More contents about Manchester