The Museum of Magic and Witchcraft - Boscastle, Cornwall UK

I recently went on a camping trip to Cornwall and had to visit the Museum of Magic and Witchcraft based in Boscastle particularly as it's on my museum bucketlist!

The Museum of Magic and Witchcraft was created by Cecil Williamson who had always had an interest in witchcraft since he was a child. A Witchcraft Museum was originally opened by him in Stratford-Upon-Avon but this was met with local opposition and moved it to the Isle of Man in 1951 under the name The Folklore Centre of Superstition and Witchcraft.

Eventually in 1960 Cecil decided to move his museum to Boscastle, Cornwall where it remains today. Cecil stated, ‘Three miles away from this spot you can find this pre-historic maze stone carved into a living rock face, proof that from ancient times man and his magic making with the world of spirit were active in this area. The centuries have passed and times have changed and yet all around us in this quiet corner of England there is a strange feeling that we are not alone and that the shades of persons passed on and over into the world of spirit are very close. That is why this Museum of Witchcraft is located here. One is standing on the edge of the beyond.’

Cecil was able to build up a collection of magical objects and developed theatrical displays utilising his filmmaking skills. In 1996, the museum was to Graham King who, took ownership of the museum at midnight on Halloween. The museum was very successful under Graham who expanded the collections there and oversaw the burial of Joan Wytte, whose skeleton had been on display in the museum for many years.

Many people know Boscastle because of the devastating floods in 2004. Graham was one of the first people to raise the alarm about the floods and was able to quickly jump into action to start helping the residents and visitors in addition to the museum's collection. Following the floods, the museum had to undergo a huge clean up in order to reopen their exhibitions. Once they were able to open back up again, they were busier than ever.

Today the museum's collections homes over 3000 objects and 7000 books and is well worth the visit if you're ever in Cornwall.

We had a really enjoyable visit and were amazed by all of the interesting artefacts and stories on display. Social distancing regulations might still be in place so make sure to book your visit and arrive on-time to avoid disappointment.

Have you ever been to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic or what's your favourite spooky museum?

You might also like: Spooky Stories of Rossendale, Lancashire.