The Witch of Saratoga is a legend that has been passed down through generations in the Saratoga Springs region of New York. According to the tale, there was once a powerful witch who lived in the area during the late 18th century. The witch was said to have possessed magical abilities and was feared by the townsfolk. She was believed to have the power to curse the land and bring harm to anyone who crossed her path. It was said that she could control the weather and summon mystical creatures to do her bidding. One of the most well-known stories about the Witch of Saratoga involved her alleged involvement in the Battle of Saratoga during the American Revolutionary War.
As she grew older, and less able to fend for herself in the wilderness, Tubbs began telling fortunes to make ends meet.
While descending from the mountain, they found a skeleton lodged between some rocks and assumed the man had killed himself by jumping from the summit. She had deeply sunken eyes, of piercing blackness, with a hooked nose, and features very much withered and wrinkled lived secluded, and nobody knew how.
One of the most well-known stories about the Witch of Saratoga involved her alleged involvement in the Battle of Saratoga during the American Revolutionary War. The British army was said to have been winning the battle, but the witch suddenly appeared and used her magic to turn the tide in favor of the American forces. This victory is often credited with being a turning point in the war.
Witch of Saratoga, Northampton’s Forgotten Magickal Emigrant
Northamptonshire has long been a hotbed of ‘witchcraft’ and the associated persecution.
The most infamous example being the Northamptonshire Witch Trials of 1612, which saw five people executed following a public dunking.
The county also claims the dubious distinction of being the last place in England to execute witches.
On 17 March 1705, Elinor Shaw and Mary Phillips were hanged, then burned before they were completely dead.
Northamptonshire’s ‘witches’ were even found in the New World.
A Northampton man stood accused of witchcraft during the notorious Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
He was killed by ‘pressing’ after refusing to confess.
But perhaps the County’s most overlooked magickal emigrant is Angeline Tubbs, the so-called Witch of Saratoga.
In America, she is legendary – her reputation fuelled by ghost vigils and fireside tales.
Yet in England hardly anyone remembers her name.
Her story began in a rural English backwater.
Origins of the Witch of Saratoga
Angeline was born in 1761 at the The Star and Garter Inn in the village of Watford, Northamptonshire, where her parents were landlords.
The Star and Garter Inn in Northamptonshire, where Angeline Tubbs – the future Witch of Saratoga – was born.
In subsequent years, renovation work here would uncover numerous artefacts such as witch-bottles and hidden shoes, all intended to keep evil at bay.
Angeline grew into a beautiful woman, with flowing hair and piercing black eyes. At the age of fifteen she was married off to a British officer from the 31st (Huntingdonshire) Regiment of Foot.
Angeline Tubbs travels to America
When her husband was posted to fight in the American Revolutionary War, the young bride travelled with him.
In 1777, following the British defeat at the battle of Saratoga in New York State, Angeline’s husband tried to murder her.
Having failed, he abandoned her. As the British troops withdrew, the jilted bride was left alone in an unfamiliar land.
She walked to Saratoga Springs, where, at the base of what is now known as Mount Vista, or Angeline’s Hill, she constructed a hovel.
Angelina Tubbs aka the Witch of Saratoga.
Here, like some medieval European witch, Tubbs lived an isolated, feral and self sufficient existence, accruing dozens of cats to keep her company.
Folk in nearby settlements were unnerved by this curious English woman and her feline familiars.
Tales abounded that upon stormy nights she could be seen standing on the cliffs of Mount Vesta, her hair streaming in the wind, red lightning encircling her as as she communed with spirits.
Suspecting witchcraft, the locals accused the outcast of numerous crimes, had her arrested and sentenced to death.
She told her tormentors she would not die until the last of her cats had passed away. Tubbs survived the noose, although she carried its mark for the rest of her life, and her beauty began to fade until she resembled the arch-typical crone.
Witch of Saratoga becomes an outcast
As she grew older, and less able to fend for herself in the wilderness, Tubbs began telling fortunes to make ends meet.
In her 90s, a professional photographer published Angeline’s image and entitled it ‘The Witch of Saratoga’, turning Angeline into an unexpected tourist draw.
But reading fortunes didn’t generate much income. In 1865, at the age of 104 having outlived all her cats, Tubbs died in the poorhouse.
In the years since, witnesses claim to have seen the ghost of a sad young woman walking with a man in military uniform.
On stormy nights, a lonely figure has been reported standing on the outcrops of Mount Vista, silhouetted by lightening, and screaming with her arms outstretched in the wind.
Exile, fortune teller, spirit-talker, murder/execution survivor, and in death, an unquiet and oft-sighted spirit: the story of the enigmatic Angeline Tubbs, Northamptonshire’s forgotten witch, is sure to fascinate the curious for many years to come.
Her story began in a rural English backwater.
Despite her feared reputation, some legends portray the Witch of Saratoga as a kind and helpful figure. It is said that she used her powers to heal the sick and injured, and to protect the innocent from harm. She was said to have a deep connection to nature and was often seen communing with spirits and animals. Over time, the legend of the Witch of Saratoga has become a symbol of the region's history and folklore. Her story has been told in books, plays, and even a ballet. Many locals embrace the legend and celebrate it during festivals and events. While the Witch of Saratoga may be just a legend, she continues to capture the imagination of those who hear her story. Whether feared or revered, she remains enigmatic and mysterious, forever a part of the rich tapestry of Saratoga Springs' heritage..
Reviews for "The Witch of Saratoga: Examining the Role of Gender in Accusations"
1. John - 2 stars
I found "Witch of Saratoga" to be very disappointing. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters were poorly developed. It felt like the author was trying to cram too many different ideas into one book, resulting in a jumbled mess. The writing style was also lacking, with choppy sentences and awkward dialogue. Overall, I would not recommend this book to others.
2. Sarah - 1 star
I really did not enjoy reading "Witch of Saratoga". The story was slow-moving and lacked suspense. The protagonist was annoying and made irrational decisions throughout the book. Additionally, the romance subplot felt forced and unnecessary. I was also disappointed by the lack of world-building and overall depth in this novel. I would not recommend wasting your time on this book.
3. Michael - 2 stars
"Witch of Saratoga" failed to capture my interest from the very beginning. The writing was dull and unimaginative, and the characters were unlikable. The plot was predictable and offered no surprises. I was hoping for a captivating and thrilling supernatural story, but instead, I was left bored and unengaged. I would suggest looking for other fantasy novels instead of wasting your time on this one.
4. Emily - 2 stars
I was excited to read "Witch of Saratoga" based on the intriguing synopsis, but unfortunately, the book fell short of my expectations. The pacing of the story was off, with moments of intense action followed by long stretches of monotony. The main character lacked depth and remained flat throughout the book. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, making it difficult to connect with the story. Overall, I was disappointed by this novel and would not recommend it to others.