Sacred & Spiritual

Gwen Ferch Ellis (1542-1591) was the first person convicted and executed for witchcraft in Wales. She was a healer, herbalist and wise woman accused of leaving a curse at the home of Thomas Mostyn of Gloddaeth, who was quarrelling with Jane Conwy of Marl Hall. Ellis was probably framed or scapegoated because she knew of a former affair between Conwy and Mostyn. In local legend, inebriated men from the village barged into her home and took fright at a large fly, thinking it was Ellis’ demon. New charges were brought of causing death and insanity, and she was tried for witchcraft in Llansanffraid Church. The case was transferred to Denbigh Court, where she was hanged in the town square – now the location of Denbigh Library, Museum & Gallery which has collections from this period.