Witchcraft and Secret Societies of Rural England: The Magic of Toadmen, Plough Witches, Mummers, and Bonesmen

A comprehensive account of the rich folk culture preserved in the rural secret societies of the British Isles

• Describes the secret rites, ceremonies, and initiation rituals of guilds and rural fraternities such as the Shoemakers, Horsemen, Toadmen, Mummers, and Bonesmen

• Explains their use of masks, black face, and other disguises to avoid persecution

• Draws not only on scholarly research but also the author’s personal contacts within these still living traditions

Centuries ago the remo...