Witches: Suffolk's Dark Legacy

Friday 16 October 2026 – Sunday 21st February 2027 

Book your tickets in advance here. Walk ins on the day may be available.

Between 1645 and 1647, the Suffolk witch trials were some of the most brutal and widespread in England.

Step into the story with a major new exhibition from Suffolk Archives. 

Unearth stories of some of the 150 Suffolk people who were accused of witchcraft, and the looming figure of Mathew Hopkins, Witchfinder General.  

Understand how the feverish atmosphere of the witch trials reached boiling point through bewitching items including Malleus Maleficarum or The Hammer of Witches, and Daemonologie by King James I, on loan from the British Library.  

Explore how the image of the witch has evolved through time, from the old hag in a pointed hat to the self-sufficient witch of TV and film today. Beautifully illustrated through books, prints, and works of art including John Waterhouse’s Magic Circle, on loan from the Tate.  

Be spellbound by the true story, and dark legacy of witchcraft in Suffolk. 

This exhibition is made possible with a grant from the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund and with support from Debach Enterprises.

Ticket prices

Adult: £5

Concession: £4.50

Child: £4 (4-16 years old)

Group Ticket: £14 (2 adults and 2 children)

National Art Pass: £2.50

Under 4’s and support individuals are free

At busy times there may be a short wait to enter the gallery.

Trigger Warning

This exhibition covers a range of sensitive topics which Suffolk Archives have endeavoured to present in a style suitable for all audiences. However, we encourage you to exercise your own discretion on deciding if the content is suitable for all members of your party.

Accessibility 

The following are available to support your visit to the exhibition:

  • Easy Read Guide
  • Large format print guide
  • Coloured overlays
  • Sensory explorer bags
  • Ear defenders
  • Portable seating

Quiet Hours

The exhibition will be open for dedicated quiet hours on the following dates and times. This will include lower number of visitors in the exhibition gallery, and ambient noise will be turned off. To book for these times please click here and scroll through to find the dates listed below.

  • Monday 30th November 10am-12pm
  • Wednesday 16th December 2:30-4:30pm
  • Tuesday 5th January 10am-12pm
  • Saturday 23rd January 2:30-4:30pm
  • Saturday 13th February 2:30-4:30pm

For further accessibility information please visit our Accessibility page