I am a big fan of the author David Hatton, I have loved reading his novels based on historical events, intertwining them with fictional tales to create intriguing, captivating tales that you just can’t put down (you can read my reviews of his books and an interview with him here). Now I have just finished reading his latest book, another novel that masterfully weaves historical fiction with a gripping mystery – The Witch of Woodplumpton. And it’s a hauntingly good read – a work of fiction based around a true story.
The Witch of Woodplumpton is based on the real character of Meg Shelton, who was rumoured to be a shape-shifting witch who put curses on farmland and people. In 1705 she died and is buried under a large boulder in the grounds of St. Anne’s Church, an 11th-century church in Preston (which is still there to see to this day). She was the last reported death of a British witch.
The Witch of Woodplumpton takes us back to late 17th century, early 18th century Lancashire, nearly a century after the infamous Pendle Witch Trials, and here be witches. Well, not quite witches, just one alleged witch in particular, Margery Hilton, better known as Meg Shelton, the “Fylde Hag” or the “Witch of Woodplumpton”. The story revolves around Reverend Isaac Armstrong and his quest to unravel the truth behind the death of Meg Shelton and why her body just won’t stay in its grave! His faith doesn’t allow him to believe in witchcraft and witches and he is convinced that one of his parishioners is behind the strange occurrences and is determined to get to the bottom of it. The villagers on the other hand believe it is witchcraft from beyond the grave!
Overall, David Hatton’s The Witch of Woodplumpton is an excellent engaging read. An historical fiction novel based around a very real character who was ascribed as being a witch just because of her differences – unmarried, disabled, unattractive etc. He expertly combines the real character of Meg with a fictional story that makes for superb unputdownable reading.
From the opening pages readers are transported back in time from the present day to the 17/18th centuries, less than 100 years after the Pendle Witch Trials, immersing the reader in an era where superstition and fear rule the minds of the townsfolk. The story takes us back to 1705 and the death and burial of Meg Shelton and flicks back and forth building a vivid picture of life in a small town where a down on her luck outsider is deemed a witch because she is different, which Meg used to advantage to steal food.
With excellent characters bringing the story to life, a fascinating story of the death of a witch is told, rich with historical detail.
While the story is centred around Meg Shelton and her so-called witchcraft, the real story revolves around Reverend Issac. A character of great depth, a man of faith battling the superstitions of his parishioners. His determination to find the truth about Meg Shelton’s death leads him on a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.
But the Reverend needs a counterpart to balance the story and alongside him is James, Meg’s only friend, a teenage boy who provides a poignant counterpoint to the reverend’s rationality.
With a clever plot based on a real character, real superstitions and documented historical events as a backdrop, this tale of mystery peels back the layers like a onion, revealing long buried secrets and lies to conquer up a magical story that keeps you gripped and turning page after page.
While it is a story of a witch, yes people used to believe that they existed (and some probably still do), it also explores themes such as ignorance, loneliness, disability, and the capacity of the human race for both cruelty and redemption, especially when someone is deemed different from you.
While the character of Meg may be real, the story itself is fiction, a mystery that makes fantastic reading. Whilst it may be a work of fiction, looking at that era it is a story that could also be very real, and that comes across in the storytelling and writing making it a very engaging read.
The Witch of Woodplumpton is an excellent mystery story, perfect for mystery lovers and readers of historical fiction. The plot is well-crafted, the characters are compelling, is very entertaining and thought-provoking.
A brilliant read that mixes history and fiction to weave a fantastic tale of death, witchcraft, magic and buried secrets.
A wonderful read that pulls you into the story.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £9.99 (Paperback) / £2.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit david-hatton.uk. Available to buy from Amazon here.
