Guest Talk: Tourism, Memorialisation and the Newcastle Witches

With Professor Claire Nally

How do we remember difficult histories? Who decides which stories are commemorated, and which are forgotten?

In this fascinating guest talk, Professor Claire Nally explores the themes of tourism, memorialisation and public memory through the story of the Newcastle witch trials. Drawing on historical and contemporary examples, the session will examine how places associated with persecution become sites of remembrance, how communities engage with painful histories, and the role that memorials, heritage and storytelling play in shaping our understanding of the past.

This engaging talk provides the perfect introduction to the following day's memorial walk, offering valuable context for understanding the history of the Newcastle witches and the continuing importance of remembering those who were wrongly accused and executed.

Date: Thursday 20th August