A forthcoming lecture at the Manx Museum by Professor Ronald Hutton will shed light on the Isle of Man's historical relationship with witchcraft. 

Professor Hutton, who is the Professor of History at Bristol University (and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and the Society of Antiquaries) will give the fifth of Manx National Heritage’s popular winter lectures.

A leading authority on ancient and medieval paganism and one of the most recognised historians on British television, Professor Hutton says, "In the Middle Ages, the Isle of Man had the reputation of being the part of the British Isles most steeped in sorcery. 

"In the Seventeenth Century, it became the only place in the world of the Anglican Communion in which people were burned for witchcraft. 

"In the Twentieth, it turned into the world capital of a newly appeared pagan witch religion.  This talk tells the story of all these developments and attempts to explain them; and, in doing so, reveals for the first time the remarkable way in which the traditional witchcraft beliefs of the Manx became distorted into a legend in the course of the modern period."

This lecture will be the third appearance of Professor Hutton on the winter lecture programme: many will remember his previous, wildly successful talks on the English Civil War and Druidism.  This year’s lecture promises to be as equally fascinating.

Anthea Young, Education Services Officer for Manx National Heritage, said, "This will be the third lecture presented by Professor Hutton within our Winter Lecture programme and it will be a pleasure to welcome him to the Isle of Man once again.  

"I am certain that his lecture will have the audience captivated as was the case in previous years." 

'The Changing Face of Manx Witchcraft' takes place at the Manx Museum lecture theatre on Friday 15th January 2010 at 7.30pm (doors open at 7.00pm).  Admission is free of charge.