New Witch Trials Display and Memorial at Moyse’s Hall Museum
Discover the story of the Bury St Edmunds witch trials
- Date
- 31st October 2026 - 31st March 2027
About this event
Discover the story of the Bury St Edmunds witch trials at a new long-term display at Moyse’s Hall Museum, featuring a first memorial to honour the victims.
The display explores the history of the witch trials, which spanned nearly 100 years between 1599 and 1694, and places them within the wider context of crime and superstition at the time.
At its heart is a commemorative sculpture featuring the names of all the known victims of the trials. Created by local artist Kate Jackson and carver John Williams, the memorial was carved from a damaged lime tree from Nowton Park and offers a powerful tribute to those who lost their lives.
Among the names are the 16 women and two men hanged in a single day in 1645, as well as Rose Cullender and Amy Denny, whose trial in 1662 later influenced the infamous Salem witch trials in America.
The new display benefits from fresh research and academic support, including bestselling author Professor Marion Gibson and historian Timothy Easton. It forms part of the museum's wider commitment to ensuring that the victims of the trials are remembered.
Where: Moyse’s Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds
When: Now open as a long-term display
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About the Venue
This beautiful medieval museum in the heart of Bury St Edmunds houses rich and eclectic collections and changing exhibitions, and hosts events ranging from themed craft workshops for all the family to historical talks and lectures.
Steeped in history, Moyse's Hall has looked out over Bury St Edmunds market place for almost 900 years.
The landmark 12th century building rich and varied past has included serving as the town Bridewell, workhouse and police station, first opening as a museum in 1899.
Today the museum offers a fascinating view into the past with collections that document the foundation of the early town - from the creation and dissolution of the Abbey of St Edmund to fascinating insights into local superstitions and witchcraft.
Crime and Punishment
You can explore the Bury St Edmunds witch trials including its connection to the Salem witch trials, folklore and ritual deposits, the infamous Red Barn Murder, the Nichols Murder, and prison paraphernalia in the museum's recently re-interpreted Crime and Punishment Gallery.
Saint Edmund
Moyse’s Hall celebrates Edmund in life and in death like never before. Through academic partnership, meet Edmund in his 9th Century world, before exploring the rise and fall of his cult.
It includes a re-creation of St Edmund’s gold tomb, which is being specially built by Andy Stubbs of Scenic Productions who supplies set design to the West End and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds.
Clocks and Timepieces
Moyse's Hall Museum is also known as home to a world class collection of exquisite collections of clocks and timepieces including rare items bequeathed by musician and clock collector Frederic Greshom-Parkington.
Fine Art
Fine art by Sir Peter Lely, Angelica Kauffman, James Tissot, and England's first professional female painter Mary Beale. Fine art is displayed on rotation, call to check if studying a specific artist.
Suffolk Regiment Gallery
From Ireland to India and from Afghanistan to the Normandy beaches ... the battles, traditions and stories of the Suffolks (1685-1959). A taste of the regiment's collections housed at Gibraltar Keep.
Tickets
All of the galleries and exhibitions can be viewed by paying one entrance price below.
Adults £5.50
Students £4
Child 5-16 £4
Under 5s Free
Accessibility
The museum is wheelchair accessible with lifts to all floors. There is seating for visitors throughout the museum.
Find out more about Accessibility at Moyse's Hall Museum.
Toilet and baby-changing facilities
Accessible toilet facilities are available on the ground floor which include an area for baby-changing.
Children
Children are very welcome. There are a number of child-friendly activities in the museum including dressing up, quizzes and trails.
Dogs
Assistance dogs only. Dogs are welcome in the reception for tourist information enquires and to access the gift shop.
