Lecture: Witchcraft in the Library

A lecture titled 'Witchcraft in the Library', presented by Dr Catherine Batt (University of Leeds), will focus on witchcraft and its influence in communities, from medieval to modern.

Leeds University Library Galleries

The Leeds University Library Galleries are made up of the Stanley & Audrey Burton Gallery and Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery, and both are free and open to the public. They offer exceptional collections of fine art, artefacts, rare books and manuscripts. 

Both galleries host events throughout the year. 

Witchcraft in the Library

Dr Catherine Batt (Senior Lecturer in the School of English, IMS, University of Leeds) will guide participants through exploring the hidden histories of magic and witchcraft in the lecture 'Witchcraft in the Library'. The event is held in the Treasures of the Brotherton Gallery in Parkinson Court at the University of Leeds. 

The talk will discuss how people responded to the threats and attractions of witchcraft, using the Library's Special Collections to reveal how historic texts and objects influenced communities. 

Discover thirteenth century charms to ward off evil. Learn how to identify and punish sorcery from the notorious fifteenth century book The Hammer of Witches. Hear about stories of witchcaft told in the twentieth century and preserved in the Leeds Archive of Vernacular Culture. 

The event is free, but participants must register. The event is fully booked, but participants can register on the wait list. 

Future Lecture

The same talk will be presented on 14 March from 13:00-14:00 at Leeds Central Library. Again, registration is essential.