About this episode

The episode explores the case against Bridget Bishop during the Salem Witch Trials, detailing the evidence and processes leading to her execution.

We dig into original Salem Witch Trials documents to map, step by step, how Bridget Bishop moved from first mention to execution—and how “evidence” worked in 1692. Using the arrest warrant (April 18, 1692), competing examination records by Ezekiel Cheever and Samuel Parris, and a trail of statements, depositions, and jail paperwork, we trace the case built on spectral evidence, old grievances framed as supernatural harm, and accusations drawn from other prisoners’ confessions. We follow Bridget through transfers between Salem and Boston jails, the June 2 physical search for “witches’ teats,” five indictments for afflicting the core afflicted girls, and the death warrant ordering her hanging on June 10. We also track the long aftermath, from missed restitution efforts to her eventual naming in Massachusetts’ 2001 exoneration act. 00:00 Anatomy of a Trial 01:02 Arrest Warrant Breakdown 02:47 Preliminary Examination 05:19 Spectral Evidence Claims 06:49 Past Harm Testimony 08:52 Confessions Implicate Bridget 09:31 Jail Transfers and Records 10:43 Witch Marks and Indictments 12:42 Death Warrant and Execution 16:39 Costs and Restitution 17:53 Exoneration in 2001 19:06 Subscribe and…

People in this episode

Hosts: Josh Hutchinson, Sarah Jack

Topics covered

• Salem Witch Trials
• Bridget Bishop
• spectral evidence
• historical documents
• witch trials
• exoneration

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Peabody Essex Museum, Salem Witch-Hunt Facebook Page

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• Salem Witch Trials: Witchfinder Roger Toothaker and His Family · July 11, 2026 · 12 min

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