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Founded: 1675Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Sweden
Historical period: Swedish Empire (Sweden)
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The Torsåker witch trials took place in 1675 in Torsåker parish in Sweden and were the largest witch trials in Swedish history. In a single day 71 people (65 women and 6 men) were beheaded and then burned.
The mountain where the executions took place is still today called Häxberget or Bålberget (the “Witch mountain” or the “Bon fire mountain”). Mayor Erik Lund, from the city of Härnösand, was in charge of the executions and there were two executioners waiting at the mountain.The condemned witches were beheaded on the downside of the bon fire so that the blood wouldn’t stop the fire. Imagine all the death agony, the screaming, the acrid odor of blood, urine and excrements, the amount of blood on the ground from 71 persons and the offensive smell of burnt flesh.
References:The Broch of Clickimin is a large and well preserved, though somewhat restored broch near Lerwick. Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch (now increased in size by silting and drainage), it was approached by a stone causeway. The water-level in the loch was reduced in 1874, leaving the broch high and dry. The broch is situated within a walled enclosure and, unusually for brochs, features a large 'blockhouse' between the opening in the enclosure and the broch itself. Another unusual feature is a stone slab featuring sculptured footprints, located in the causeway which approached the site. Situated across the loch is the Clickimin Leisure Centre.