The Story Of Grace Sherwood, The Witch of Pungo Who Survived A Trial By Ducking
Have you ever heard the story of Grace Sherwood? If not, get ready to hear a tale that is sure to stick with you.
Grace Sherwood was a young farmer woman living in Pungo, Virginia, in the 1600s. She lived through the thick of the witchcraft conspiracy era, where women were constantly accused of witchcraft and sent to jail or even to their deaths.
The community of Pungo became skeptical of Grace, as she was very passionate about certain things that also, at the time, happened to align with witchcraft.
Grace loved learning about and using herbal remedies, was passionate about healing, and had a deep connection to animals.
However, Grace’s neighbors were quick to target her, and she was accused of witchcraft several times.
One neighbor claims they even saw her transform into a cat! Anytime farm animals or crops would die, the neighbors would blame Grace.
When the court noticed all of the strange charges against her, they knew that Grace would have to prove that she is innocent before she was able to go back to living her life. They ordered Grace to a trial by ducking.
For those who don’t know, this process was a popular method used during witch trials back during this time.
Ducking involves restraining women, most often to a ducking stool and throwing them into water. If the woman sinks, she is innocent. If she floats, she is guilty and labeled as a witch.
angel_nt – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purpose only, not the actual person
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Grace was restrained, with her thumbs tied to her toes. She was taken out to the Lynnhaven River and thrown into the water.
After a few moments, Grace had removed her restrictions and, therefore, floated to the surface of the water.
Watching this take place was an angry mob of townspeople who gathered at the Ferry Plantation House. Many looked on in shock as Grace floated in the water.
Once she was declared guilty, her fate as a witch was sealed. She was given the nickname ‘The Witch of Pungo,’ and went to jail for over 7 years.
Thankfully, after much of the panic and hysteria surrounding witchcraft had started to calm down, Grace was released from jail. She lived on her farm until she was about 80-years-old, and passed away.
People who have visited the Ferry Plantation House believe you can see the ghost of Grace Sherwood walking along the banks of the river, reminding those of her unfortunate injustice.
To read more about Grace Sherwood, visit the link here.
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