T H E L A S T W I T C H
Some fifty years after her death, the family and devotees of disgraced
and convicted Spiritualist Medium Helen Duncan are seeking a posthumous pardon.
Duncan has the dubious distinction of being the last person to be convicted under
England's infamous WITCHCRAFT ACT, because one of
her revelations was true.
Helen was a Scottish matron, the sole provider with six children and a
devout Spiritualist. She worked at a factory by day and conducted
seances in her spare time. She proved a popular and talented Spirit
Medium and her services became sought after, especially during the
War (WWII), when she was in great demand by the families of lost sol-
diers.
Eventually, however, Helen's "sittings" drew the attention of the autho-
rities who, ironically, were convinced that her act was "make-believe",
designed to fleece desperate families. They began to attend Helen's
meetings in secret, in hopes of catching her in some dishonest act.
Unfortunately, under watch, Helen "brought about" a deceased sailor,
of the HMS BARNHAM, the loss of which had been deliberately conceal-
ed by the British Government. (It would not be revealed to have been
sunk 'til several months later.)
Duncan's accurate description of the Barnham and the names of its
sailors did nothing to increase her standing to those who believed her
fraudelent. When they moved to arrest her, she was charged with con-
spiracy - spying. This charge would mean death by hanging, upon
conviction.
Fortunately, the Crown could not make the espionage charge stick, but
they were not content to let the matter drop, most ironically because
they feared she would reveal D-DAY.
Helen was instead charged with the WITCHCRAFT ACT, which was still
in force.
Numerous prominent citizens testified in her behalf and even Winston
Churchill railed about the ridiculousness of the charge.
She was convicted, jailed for nine months, and ordered never to perform
another seance.
CHURCHILL WENT ON TO PERSONALLY SEE THE OVERTURNING OF THE
WITCHCRAFT ACT IN 1951.
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