Marblehead's colorful history

As told by Samuel Roads, Jr. in THE HISTORY AND TRADITIONS of MARBLEHEAD - 1880

Tucker's Wharf show here

Marblehead & Witchcraft

In 1692 the belief in spirits and witchcraft was universal. Wilmot Redd and her husband, Samuel Redd, a fisherman of Marblehead, lived beside the pond known to us as Redd's. The women of the town went to the pond to wash their clothes and exchange the news of the day while the children played near by.

Mrs. Redd, said to have the power to cast spells, was accused of witchcraft. Her accusers became hysterical when questioned by the Salem authorities. Asked if she thought her accusers were bewitched, she said, "I can not tell. My opinion is that they are in a sad condition." At the height of the witch trials in Salem, Mrs. Redd was found guilty of witchcraft and was hanged September 22, 1692.

Mrs. Redd gave what is now Redd's Pond to the Citizens of the Town of Marblehead for their use.

Marblehead Witchcraft mugs are available at the Marblehead Historic Commission store at Abbot Hall.