Medieval Archives

It’s Halloween again, the air turns colder, the nights grow darker and spirits roam in the shadows. On this year’s Halloween episode we are traveling to the Emerald Isle. In 1324 Kilkenny, Ireland witnessed it’s first witchcraft trial and the first execution carried out by burning at the stake. Alice Kyteler was a popular, beautiful inn keeper who's husbands had a bad habit of dying mysterious deaths. Her fourth and final husband, certain Alice was poisoning him, told his children and the church. The zealous Bishop of Ossory, Bishop Ledrede, took up the case. He was a firm believer the devil walked among the people and made it his duty to banish evil. Ledrede beleived Alice Kyteler was not only a witch, but the leader of a coven of witches based in the Kilkenny area. Alice Kyteler had powerful allies from her four marriages and her successful business. When Bishop Ledrede tried to have her arrested the tables were turned and Ledrede was thrown in jail. When Ledrede was released from prison he resumed his case against Kyteler and her followers. The charges brought against Kyteler were murder, heresy, seeking advice from demons, sacrificing animals, making potions and having sexual relations with a demon. Serious charges to be sure. Could Ledrede prove them in court? Would Alice Kyteler be burned at the stake as a witch?

Show Notes

It’s Halloween again, the air turns colder, the nights grow darker and spirits roam in the shadows. On this year’s Halloween episode we are traveling to the Emerald Isle. In 1324 Kilkenny, Ireland witnessed it’s first witchcraft trial and the first execution carried out by burning at the stake.

Alice Kyteler was a popular, beautiful inn keeper who's husbands had a bad habit of dying mysterious deaths. Her fourth and final husband, certain Alice was poisoning him, told his children and the church.

The zealous Bishop of Ossory, Bishop Ledrede, took up the case. He was a firm believer the devil walked among the people and made it his duty to banish evil. Ledrede beleived Alice Kyteler was not only a witch, but the leader of a coven of witches based in the Kilkenny area.

Alice Kyteler had powerful allies from her four marriages and her successful business. When Bishop Ledrede tried to have her arrested the tables were turned and Ledrede was thrown in jail.

When Ledrede was released from prison he resumed his case against Kyteler and her followers. The charges brought against Kyteler were murder, heresy, seeking advice from demons, sacrificing animals, making potions and having sexual relations with a demon.

Serious charges to be sure.

Could Ledrede prove them in court? Would Alice Kyteler be burned at the stake as a witch?

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Creators and Guests

Host
The Archivist
Illuminating the Dark Ages for the Digital World. Podcast and website dedicated to the medieval era.

What is Medieval Archives?

The Medieval Archives Podcast explores the history, people, stories, and mysteries of the Middle Ages.

Join historian and host Gary, the Archivist, as we dig into the real medieval world, from kings, knights, popes, battles, and political intrigue to ordinary life, strange beliefs, and forgotten stories.

Each episode takes a closer look at the people and events that shaped the medieval world, separating history from legend without taking all the fun out of it.

Whether you’re a longtime medieval history enthusiast or just curious about the Middle Ages, there’s always something waiting in the Archives.