Salem Witch Trials: The Aftermath of People vs. Bridget Bishop

Bridget Bishop

Salem, 1692

We the people decide Bridget Bishop should go to trial in a higher court-the Court of Oyer and Terminer. They will decide if Goody Bishop should be hanged.

Seven judges have condemned Bridget Bishop based largely on the testimonies of my friends, the "afflicted" girls. Did I do the right thing in not speaking out? If I do, I will be the next accused. I am no witch but I will surely die if I speak. If I stay silent I may also be accused. Are my friends playing games? Do they know they are playing with someone's life? Why do they do this? Are they truly afflicted?

On Friday, June 10, 1692, sometime between 8am and noon, Bridget Bishop will be executed at Gallows Hill and buried at the execution site in unhallowed ground.

Bridget Bishop Hanged June 10, 1692
Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Salem,MA

The witch hysteria soon spreads to other nearby towns: Topsfield, Andover, Beverly, Wenham, Reading, Marblehead. Almost half the accused witches are under 40 years of age. One is only a baby of five years of age, one is an elderly woman and one an elderly man. Those who confess go to jail and lose their property. Those who deny the accusations go to trial and are executed. There is no easy way out. Neighbors are accusing friends, relatives and even strangers! When will this madness end?

All images c. Susanna's guardian QNPoohBear

Images from:

"Cry Innocent," History Alive, Old Town Hall, Salem, Mass., August 21, 2017

Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Salem, Massachusetts

Salem Old Town Hall Museum, Salem, Massachusetts

Read more:

Cry Innocent / History Alive

Bridget Bishop: First Salem Witch Executed

Bridget Bishop

Bridget Bishop: Witch or Easy Target?

Bridget Bishop's Social Network

Salem Witch Trials Timeline

The Witchcraft Trials in Salem: An Account

Life During the Salem Witch Trials

Famous Trials -Salem

Examine the documentary evidence

Goss, K. David. Daily Life During the Salem Witch Trials. Greenwood, 2002.

Hill, Frances. Hunting for Witches. Commonwealth Editions, 2002.

Hill, Frances. The Salem Witch Trials Reader. Da Capo Press, 2000.