The Witch: A History
31 October 2026
10:00am-5:00pm
Rewley House 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA
Event status:
Applications not yet being accepted
Dates:
31 October 2026
Study Format:
In-person day/weekend
Fees:
£90.00
In-person lecture-style day event
For thousands of years, humans have been fascinated by witches; magical creatures who draw from malevolent forces to subvert the natural order.
Witches and witchlike figures have been a pervasive presence throughout history and provide a fascinating lens through which to explore societies of the past and present – from mythical figures of antiquity such as Hecate, Circe and Medea, and the late medieval text Malleus Maleficarum, to early modern witch trials, Victorian spiritualism and modern popular culture.
Over the course of four stimulating lectures, this hybrid day school examines how witches have been represented over time – from the classical world to modern times. In doing so, we’ll unravel a cultural history with far reaching effects and ask: why do witches hold society in such thrall? How have ideas about magic and unnatural power intersected with justice, stigma and literature? And, what do historical manifestations tell us about the time in which they appear?
Please note: this event will close to enrolments at 23:59 GMT on 28 October 2026.
Apply for this course
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Accommodation
If you wish to stay with us before and/or after the event, please contact our Residential Centre for availability and discounted rates.
Call +44 (0) 1865 270362 or email res-ctr@conted.ox.ac.uk
Our accommodation in Wellington Square has been rated as 4-Star Campus Accommodation under Visit England. All bedrooms are modern, comfortably furnished with tea/coffee making facilities, Freeview television, private bath/shower rooms and free WiFi. For more details see our accommodation information.
Dr Mai Musié
Mai is a humanities researcher and public engagement specialist. Her research explores race and ethnicity in the ancient world. She combines academic rigor with her practical experience to enhance community engagement, outreach and education. Mai has received numerous awards for her impactful public engagement projects; and has experience in the media through her television and radio appearances.
Rebecca Rideal
Rebecca Rideal is a historian, award-winning podcast and TV producer and the author of 1666: Plague, War and Hellfire (2016).
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Event Fee (includes tea/coffee) | £90.00 |
| Baguette lunch | £7.90 |
| Hot lunch (two-course) | £22.40 |
Payment
Please see the terms and conditions for our open-access courses.
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Module code: O26P113HIJ
Please use the ‘Book’ button on this page. Alternatively, please contact us to obtain an application form.
