Curses, whispers and a demon fly

This is the story of the first Welshwoman excecuted for witchcraft, as told by Mari Ellis Dunning

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ON AN October's day in 1594, Gwen ferch Ellis was led to the gallows in the middle of Denbigh town square, and hanged.

She was the first recorded woman in Wales to be executed on charges of witchcraft.

Her death stands out in the context of European history. While thousands of women - and some men - were executed for witchcraft across Scotland, England and mainland Europe between the 15th and 18th centuries, only five executions took place in Wales. Surviving records list just 35 witchcraft trials in the country, making Gwen's case exceptional.

Little is known about Gwen's early life, but court records paint a picture of a woman who may have stood out. In her 40s, twice widowed and childless, she was described in her indictment as a “spinster”, indicating that she made her living through spinning yarn.

Like many early modern women, she also sold salves, had a reputation for healing and charming, and had achieved financial independence through these means.

Gwen’s downfall began with a discovery at Gloddaith, the home of Sir Thomas Mostyn, a powerful landowner and justice of the peace. A charm was found written backwards and was consequently believed to have destructive rather than protective uses.