Noble Blood: The Witches of Belvoir Castle – Detailed Summary
Episode Release Date: May 13, 2025
Host: Dana Schwartz
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and Grim & Mild
Introduction to Beaver Castle
In the opening segment at [00:38], Dana Schwartz sets the stage by transporting listeners to early 17th century Leicestershire, England, focusing on the imposing Beaver Castle—officially spelled Belvoir, meaning "beautiful view." Established shortly after the Norman conquest of 1066, the current structure is a rebuilt version, with tours and events masking its tumultuous history. Dana remarks:
“When you’re wearing a crown, mistakes often mean blood.” [00:45]
The Manners Family and King James I
The narrative centers on Francis Manners, the 6th Earl of Rutland, and his Catholic wife, Cecilia, who transformed Beaver Castle into a luxurious palace of entertainment to curry favor with King James I. Dana explains:
“King James willingness to overlook the Manners family's religious leanings shows just how much he liked them.” [02:15]
King James I, infamous for his obsession with witchcraft—exemplified by his treatise Demonology—played a pivotal role in the unfolding events at Beaver Castle.
The Flowers Family: Accusations and Social Tensions
Joan Flowers and her daughters, Philippa and Margaret, were employed by the Earl and Countess, initially securing their positions due to their herbal knowledge and domestic skills. However, rumors and jealousy from neighbors led to growing suspicions. By early 1613, Margaret was dismissed for alleged theft and misconduct, sparking tensions. Dana notes:
“They were impoverished, outspoken and socially marginal women who possessed herbal knowledge.” [10:50]
Tragedy Strikes the Manners Heirs
Shortly after Margaret's dismissal, tragedy befell the Manners family. The eldest son, Henry, fell ill with mysterious convulsions and died in September 1613. Soon after, the younger son, Francis, and daughter, Catherine, also became critically ill, followed by the Earl and Countess themselves. With the male heirs lost, the family's despair deepened. Dana reflects:
“Their family’s future now depended entirely on their younger son.” [15:30]
Escalation to Witchcraft Accusations
Despite initial skepticism, the persistent illnesses led the Earl and Countess to suspect witchcraft, particularly targeting the Flowers women. In late 1618, formal accusations were made, and the sisters were arrested and transported to Lincoln Castle for trial. Dana emphasizes:
“The case against the Flowers women generated significant public interest.” [20:45]
Interrogation and Forced Confessions
At Lincoln Castle, Margaret and Philippa Flowers endured intense interrogations. Under extreme pressure, including possible torture, Margaret confessed to using witchcraft to harm the Manners family, while Philippa admitted to having spirits aiding her malicious intents. Margaret’s confession at [27:10] includes:
“Joan had instructed me to steal one of Henry’s gloves... to harm him.”
Philippa added haunting details about her spirit, further sealing their fates. The presiding judge, Edward Bromley, known for his harsh stance on witchcraft, oversaw their trials, which concluded with both women being sentenced to death by hanging. Dana summarizes:
“Trials often devolved into hostile confrontations... designed to confirm their guilt.” [30:50]
Aftermath and the Rutland Heirs
The execution of the Flowers sisters did not alleviate the Manners family's plight. On March 5, 1620, the younger son, Francis, succumbed to his illness. With no surviving male heir, the title passed to the Earl’s brother, George, the seventh Earl of Rutland. The family's steadfast belief in witchcraft as the cause is immortalized in an inscription at St. Mary the Virgin's church:
“By wicked practices and sorcery.” [32:15]
A Dark Theory: The Role of George Villiers
Introducing an alternative perspective, historian Tracy Borman suggests that George Villiers, a rising courtier and favorite of King James I, may have orchestrated the deaths of the Manners sons to secure a prosperous union with Catherine Manners. Dana posits:
“Villiers was assassinated in 1628, taking the truth about any potential evil schemes with him to the grave.” [30:30]
Borman speculates that poisoning could have been the method, given the protracted nature of the illnesses, and questions the authenticity of the pamphlet that documented the Flowers trial, hinting at manipulation to ensure public conviction.
Modern-Day Beaver Castle
Shifting to the present, Dana contrasts the castle's dark past with its current state as a venue for events like the Equinox 24-hour ultra marathon. She muses:
“If Joan, Margaret and Philippa are somewhere haunting this place, they must be looking at these spandex clad creatures with their blinking gadgets and wondering what the hell happened to good old fashioned magic.” [35:50]
The castle now stands as a historical monument, its history serving as a reminder of the dangers of power, superstition, and societal control.
Conclusion: Reflections on Historical Injustice
Dana concludes by reflecting on the tragic fate of the Flowers sisters and the Manners family, highlighting how fear and the abuse of power led to the persecution of vulnerable individuals. She underscores:
“They paid for their nonconformity with their lives.” [38:00]
The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the blurred lines between natural and supernatural explanations in early modern England and the lasting impact of such injustices.
Notable Quotes:
- Dana Schwartz at [00:45]: “When you’re wearing a crown, mistakes often mean blood.”
- Margaret Flowers at [27:10]: “Joan had instructed me to steal one of Henry’s gloves... to harm him.”
- Dana Schwartz at [32:15]: “By wicked practices and sorcery.”
- Dana Schwartz at [35:50]: “If Joan, Margaret and Philippa are somewhere haunting this place, they must be looking at these spandex clad creatures with their blinking gadgets and wondering what the hell happened to good old fashioned magic.”
Final Thoughts
"The Witches of Belvoir Castle" intricately weaves historical facts with speculative theories, offering a comprehensive look into one of history's dark episodes of witchcraft accusations intertwined with noble intrigue. This episode not only recounts the tragic events but also invites listeners to ponder the complexities of power dynamics and societal fears that fueled such injustices.