Heritage platform Dye van Best invites you to attend a historical lecture presented by Aad Engelfriet, on the subject of witch hunts in the Renaissance-era. In 1595 at least 16 women were strangled and burnt in one week team! It all happened close to our home on the Strabrechtse moor.
The men behind all this: Erasmus van Grevenbroek, Lord of Mierlo and Lierop en Bernard van Merode Lord of Asten). They even arrested the servant of the local pastor! Lucky for her, the pastor managed to talk to the bishop thus preventing her from getting on a woodpile.
Between 1600 and 1700 between 40.000 up to 100.00 people were chased. How could this happen? Did the church play a role in all this?
Aad Engelfriet will fill us in on all details. He will also explain us where superstition comes from, like the fabulous number 13 or black cats for instance. When it comes to witches, many people have Walt Disney and fairy tales of the Grimm brothers in mind. There are also people calling themselves “Wicca” while referring to Druids and Bards.
Aad is a well known specialist on Dutch and European history. His studies are often used as reference material.
Access to the lecture: FREE!