Gimble the cat never ventured far from that stew pot and the warmth of the fire. He did well with all the scraps and how he purrs when I stroke him.
The cold gets right into my old bones now and I made up some ointment with rosemary, marjoram, pepper, and lavender mixed together with goose fat. It warms the joints.
Tuesday
Had a visitor – Mrs Ridley – she was suffering with many aches and pains, so put some of my ointment in a little cup for her and made her some of my healing tea made from rosemary, rosehips, sage and thyme. Don’t get too many visitors and those that do come want my help, my advice or a herbal remedy. Mrs Ridley sent her young son back later in the day with some fresh baked bread and a small pat of butter as a thank you for my time.
Wednesday
Mr Parker road by on his horse and cart as I was chopping some wood - offered to help me, I let him and noticed he was pained with toothache. After he’d done chopping my wood he came in and I gave him some clove oil to hold on his poor tooth to ease his pain. Told him to go get it pulled. We shared a herbal tea and he shared news from the town. Seems Parliament have commissioned a man called Matthew Hopkins to scour the land for witches. Such nonsense, there be no such things.
Thursday
More news form the nearest town of Colchester, Joe Hooper passed by coming back from market and told tales of two women who had been sought out and arrested by Matthew Hopkins who is know as the Witch Finder. The poor souls lived together with their pets much as I do; they too kept themselves to themselves. Someone was said to have told they were seen cavorting in the woods with their animals in a so called frenzy, it was claimed they were conjuring up Satan himself. The women were taken to trial and tested by being bound and thrown in the Colne. One poor soul perished instantly, probably with the shock of that icy water. The other seemed to break free a little, so she has been proven a witch and thus burned that day. I must say I feel a little uneasy tonight as I settle down in my cottage. I harm none and try to help people with my herbs and potions, could this been interpreted as witch craft?
Friday
Stayed inside today thinking on the terrible rumours of Matthew Hopkins, I did go out to tend to my animals and tell them my worries. How would they fend if I was taken? I can’t bare thinking about this. I am an old woman, I have no where else to go.
Saturday
I woke to hear my little goat bleating and the chickens clucking loudly, after going to the barn I found two local lads trying to steal my eggs and drink the milk from the goat. I took my broom and swung at them telling them they were wicked and to go home before I gave them a clip round the ear. They ran off shouting they would tell their dad I was a wicked witch who threatened to slice them up and feed them to the cat.
What am I now supposed to do, if this had been last year I would have laughed at them and so would anyone hearing the story. But this year when it seems people will point the finger just to appear innocent themselves or to gain a few shillings I fear the worst. I doubt if I will rest tonight.
Sunday
I did manage with the help of a soothing camomile tea to sleep quite well and hope I’ve worried myself for nothing. I did all the usual jobs and now I’m about to get a vegetable broth on the stove. Dear Gimble he’s rubbing round my legs hoping for rabbit, but my traps where empty.
What’s this I see coming up the hill, a fancy cart and small crowd walking with it, they seem to be heading this way? Who is the stranger with the black tall hat?
