THE chilling history of witchcraft will be the topic of an evening behind bars next month.

On October 22, Shepton Mallet Prison will host the latest instalment of its Evening Behind Bars series, entitled The Witching Hour.

Centring on the true story of sisters Jane Brooks and Alice Coward, accused of witchcraft in 1658 Shepton Mallet, the talk explores the fear and paranoia that gripped 17th-century England.

“Discover the truth behind the witch hysteria, the persecution of the accused and the tragic fate of Jane Brooks,” a spokesperson said.

“Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the world of witches, this captivating evening promises to be fascinating, eerie and unforgettable.”

Tickets for the talk, costing £10, are available via sheptonmalletprison.com/events/evening-behind-bars.

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