Joan Wytte's Grave
Lauren had found out about Joan Wytte while watching a history programme about Cornwall. Obviously being the macabre gremlin she is and interested in witches, she researched the name and why the grave was of such importance. From this moment onward it was a destination on our trip-list.
Joan was a woman in her 30s who was convicted of being a witch back in the 1800s. In 1832 she died and instead of being buried her body was stripped of its skin and her skeleton was exhibited and handed from pillar to post. She was used in seances, she was displayed on a hook which prolonged her suffering. Basically poor Joan had become an oddity displayed in order to make money.
Eventually she found her way to the Boscastle Museum of Witchcraft & Magic where she was again displayed. This time she was in a coffin at least, but she was still an attraction for those of a macabre inkling.
The museum began to experience poltergeist activity and upon investigation it was said to be Joan. Once the original owner of the Museum retired, Graham King, the new owner decided to put a stop to the cruel treatment of Joan and instead laid her to rest. While her exact burial spot is known only to Mr King, a grave marker was placed in the woods just outside of the Bocastle Churchyard for those who wished to visit and ensure that Joan is never forgotten.
Now no one is sure that her name was Joan. Evidence relating to her identity has been found based on her skeleton and traced back to the Wytte family in Boscastle, but there is still some debate as to whether she ever existed. Now sources differ as to why Joan was arrested. Some say it was because of witchcraft, others that she was brawling in the street. However, it is said that people visited Joan as she was a skilled clairvoyant and healer, but that due to her growing tooth abscess she was becoming bad tempered and it was this temper which is what led her to Bodmin Jail. Joan died of pneumonia and was very thin showing the awful treatment she had experienced. Her skeleton does show evidence of her abscess.
She was buried in 1998 (the year we were born!) in a beautiful wooded area and her grave marker is very well kept. When we visited there were lots of tokens and offerings ranging from crystals, to shells and even jewellery. Lauren left her own offering which she had crafted herself as a remembrance piece to let Joan know that things have gotten better for women, especially those who sway toward the supernatural, and that her suffering has not been forgotten or forgiven. It was a sad but sweet moment and although tranquil, the area dug up a lot of emotion for the both of us despite neither of us having a connection to this woman. It was an odd feeling and we didn't feel quite alone despite being in the middle of nowhere and being absolutely alone. It was a bizarre experience but one we are grateful for.
Joan didn't die for nothing that is for sure. It has taken centuries for women to be treated better (lets face it, there is very much room for improvement in that area as women are not being treated equally) and we are taking a step in the right direction every day. Prisons have gotten better and the treatment of witches have too. Luckily no one is being burnt at the stake or imprisoned for their beliefs anymore or for taking the holistic approach to medicine. While as a whole people no longer believe in magic, it doesn't mean there wasn't/isnt any. Just depends on the person. It does seem insane that hundreds of years ago magic was such a problem though, makes you wonder if there was something to it or if people just enjoyed making up reasons to kill each other...
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