Celia Rees Witch Child Context

Witch Child Context

Introduction

Celia Rees’ “Witch Child” is set in the middle of the 1600s, a time of terrible political and religious turmoil, so some understanding of the context behind the story will enable you to engage more closely with the narrative. These questions are a good starting point for your research.

Go online or search your local library for information about this fascinating period of history. There are suggested answers at the bottom of the page.

Research Questions

  1. Who was the ruler in England from 1653 to 1658?
  2. How did he become Lord Protector?
  3. Who became King in 1660?
  4. Who were the Puritans?
  5. What did they believe?
  6. Why did they want to travel to America?
  7. Where did most people live in the 1600s?
  8. What medicine was available to people in the 1600s?
  9. Who were known as leeches and why did they get that nickname?
  10. What did people in the 1600s believe about witches?

Suggested Answers

Who was the ruler in England from 1653 to 1658?

Oliver Cromwell was the ruler in England from 1653 to 1658.

How did he become Lord Protector?”

The first English civil war began in 1642 between the supporters of King Charles I and the Parliamentarians who wanted the King on the throne to have fewer powers over the country. Oliver Cromwell was a very successful military leader who led the campaign against the King and was then appointed the leader of the new republic.

Who became King in 1660?

Following the death of his father, Richard Cromwell inherited the title of Lord Protector but was unable to sustain power. The monarchy was restored in 1660 under Charles II.

Who were the Puritans?

The Puritans were English Protestants who believed the Church of England still followed too many Catholic practices. They wanted the church to be strict, pure and free from corrupt politics.

What did they believe?

The Puritans believed they were God’s children. However, they differed from some other faiths in the 1600s whose doctrines only allowed the clergy and the priests to read the Bible in church. Importantly, they believed everyone in the congregation had a responsibility to follow the Scriptures closely, serve God and lead a pure life.”

Why did they want to travel to America?

Since England was corrupt and full of sin, many Puritans wanted to escape to place where they could practise their faith. The new colonies America seemed to offer that freedom.

Where did most people live in the 1600s?

In the 1600s, most people lived in rural communities, but some lived in larger towns such as London.

What medicine was available to people in the 1600s?

Since most people were unable to afford to see a doctor, they visited midwives who used herbs and plants to treat illnesses. For example, the herb wintergreen contains a natural form of aspirin so it really would help with your pain. Unfortunately, if you needed some minor surgery, the local barber could use his sharp instruments to remove boils and warts!

Who were known as leeches and why did they get that nickname?

Doctors were given the nickname leeches because they used these slimy, bloodsucking slugs in an attempt to cure a ride range illnesses and heal wounds.

What did people in the 1600s believe about witches?

Some people believed witches made a deal with the Devil in exchange for supernatural powers so they could curse their neighbours, cause plagues and destroy animals and crops.

They also believed witches could communicate with demonic animals, that the Devil would leave a mark or spot on their body as a sign of possession and, of course, that witches could float on water.

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