Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, Boscastle, PL35 0HD

21/03/2026

The first gallery in the museum looks at the archetype of the witch and displays the way in which popular culture tends to portray her/him. This season we are delighted to be able to show Gary Card’s, ‘Witch’ and Warlock’ fresh from their recent exhibition in London. Huge thanks to Gary for loaning them

20/03/2026

As part of our ongoing mission to ensure that the current craze for esoteric zines that are of interest, are represented fully in the museum’s archive, we contacted the folks at and were delighted with their support. Future generations will be able to see a full back catalogue. Huge thanks to Hwaetzine for the extra goodies too!

20/03/2026

Apotropaic Phallus with Demonic Face
Date and origin unknown
Resin or bone (material unspecified)
This carved phallus, rendered with a leering devil’s visage, sits at the intersection of two ancient symbolic traditions: the phallus as a ward against evil, and the devil as a figure of transgressive, carnal power. The irony is deliberate — by fusing protector and threat, the object collapses the boundary between the two.
The association between the devil and ph***ic symbolism has deep roots in early modern demonology. Inquisitorial texts and witch trial confessions, particularly from the 15th through 17th centuries, frequently described the osculum infame (the “obscene kiss”) and the s*xual congress of the Sabbath, in which the devil’s phallus was consistently described as cold as ice or stone. The influential demonological compendium Malleus Maleficarum (1486) touched on demonic s*xuality, and later confessions — including those recorded during the Scottish witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries — contain remarkably consistent testimony that the devil’s member was “cold as ice” or “cold as a horse’s.” Folklorists have interpreted this detail variously as evidence of the use of artificial objects in ritual, as a physiological consequence of the belief that demons lacked true bodily warmth, or simply as a stock trope that spread through the literature of persecution.
Objects like this one invite reflection on how pre-modern cultures used humour, transgression, and inversion to negotiate anxiety about s*x, sin, and supernatural power.

19/03/2026

One of the many new objects on display this season will be this fearsome piece. Any guesses as to what it might be????

19/03/2026

Another curious piece that will feature in our new display is this protective ‘Lump Figure’. The museums founder said this about it - ‘A Witch’s Lump Figure.
These are made to be crude and rounded lumps, recognisable as human but s*xless of form. However, one thing is essential - the figures must have pieces of glass inset into them. The glass must be broken bits taken from smashed bottles, windows or ornaments. The purpose of these primitive figures is to act as guardians of the fields and all that is within them. They are hidden in the stone and earth hedges so common in the South West. From the Sancreed area.’ We’ve never come across them before so will be undertaking some research into their history

18/03/2026

This Terracotta Poppet, was quite hard to spot in our old display, but will now be is a much better position.
This foetus-style terracotta figure of a child was found bricked up in the wall of a house in Okehampton during building alterations and modernisation in 1934. When it was shown to a local witch, she reported that she had heard tell of such things being made and used in that area, but had never seen one before. But no doubt it was intended as a protection poppet or to protect a newborn infant.

18/03/2026

During the time that the museum is closed, we regularly get asked if we can open especially for people who happen to be in the area. Sadly we always have to say no, due to the fact that although the doors may be closed, behind the scenes there is a huge amount of activity. Every single object in the collection is removed from its case and examined, for any signs of mould or pests. (Which thankfully there rarely are). Interior walls are repainted, we often have to renew various electrical appliances and this year we have created a whole new display cabinet to show far more of our charms and protective talismans. We are also displaying over forty new items that have recently arrived. So please don’t be disappointed when we say we can’t allow visitors out of season, but without the work we carry out during our closed period, we wouldn’t be able to be open for seven days a week once open. See you soon!

10/03/2026

This remarkable object puzzled museum professionals for many years, who visited in the past. Discovered in a carved box among the ruins of a bomb-damaged London church during the Second World War, it raised so many questions: who was this individual, and how did they come to rest in such extraordinary circumstances?
In 2010, the head was loaned to Dr Martin Smith of Bournemouth University for forensic analysis. Using X-ray imaging, CT scanning, and modern forensic techniques, researchers were able to piece together a compelling story.
The head almost certainly belonged to a woman of Egyptian origin who died around 200 BC. The dark coating is tar derived from tree resins — a substance used in mummification practices of the period. Crucially, the CT scan revealed resinous material pooled at the back of the skull, consistent with the ancient Egyptian practice of removing the brain and pouring resin into the cranial cavity. This places the head firmly within the mummification traditions of late Ancient Egypt.
How it came to be found in a London church remains a mystery. The most plausible explanation is that European treasure hunters disturbed an Egyptian mummy and sold its parts separately to religious institutions, fraudulently presenting them as relics of a Christian saint or martyr — a practice not unheard of in the medieval relic trade.
Once known as Harry, she is now known, with great affection, as Harriet.

07/03/2026

Well this is the first time I’ve heard Boscastle described as that! Strange that we all missed the ‘severe flooding’ last year…. But then, it is the Sun!

OUR Spotlight On column takes an in-depth look at the best things to see and do in popular holiday destinations, as well as some lesser known spots. This week we’re shining the spotlight on Boscast…

04/03/2026

We are all in SHOCK. It’s not raining!!!

03/03/2026

We were recently able to add this 1980’s booklet published by A&B Trading, Miami, thanks to Midian Books. It details many of Gerald Gardner’s charms and talismans, which they were selling off for Ripley’s Believe It Ir Not. In 2010, the museums director flew to New York to oversee an incredibly generous donation of 32 items from the sale. Mark Sosnowski had purchased them many years before, but felt that they should really be returned to the museum for our visitors to see once more. We were delighted to accept the donation and now that we have the booklet, we have been able to match many of the pieces. Thanks must also go to Elizabeth Guerra, who donated two pieces from the same sale and initiated the entire donation.

03/03/2026

To all those who have sent texts asking what time we open today, please, please NEVER believe Google! Always check our website. Google does whatever it likes it seems….. We reopen on April 3rd and look forward to welcoming everyone!