The "Bobbing " Ponds
From torture to tranquility
The fishing ponds on Doggetts farmland have long been known by local people as “the Bobbin'”. The name comes from the fact that these ponds were said to have been used by witch hunters to prove the guilt of women, and a few men, accused of witchcraft or sorcery.
Actual site of the Bobbing Pond, close to Doggetts Ponds. See Brian Meldon's comment below (RDCA-Admin)
Witch hunting in England reached a peak in the middle of the 17th century at the time of the Civil War. Witches and sorcerers were said to be in league with the devil and therefore to be outside Christianity. In fact, anyone who behaved in an eccentric or antisocial way. Anyone who was just different or upset their neighbours could be accused of witchcraft and would then be tested to see if the accusation could be proved true.
Testing could take many forms and torture was permitted by law. Searching for unusual body marks, such as birthmarks or a third nipple which was taken to be a sign of the devil was allowed. A particular attachment to a pet cat, frog or other creature which could be seen as an incarnation of the devil was seen as certain proof of guilt. But the most common test was “swimming” the suspect.
Swimming meant that the accused would be attached to a stool or chair fixed to a long pole. The “bobbing stool” was lowered into deep water and the accused held under for some time. The pond at Doggetts farm was used to test those suspected locally.
If they were still alive on being raised again, they were guilty of witchcraft on the grounds that they must have renounced their baptism by consorting with the devil, therefore had no affinity with water and could not drown. If the accused drowned they would be seen as innocent, albeit dead!
If found guilty of witchcraft by any of these dubious means, the accused would be burnt at the stake in the middle ages. By the 17th century they would be sentenced to be hanged. Altogether, some 500 people were executed for witchcraft in England, 300 of them were convicted during the Civil War and period of Cromwell's government.
So, although today the “Bobbin' ” ponds are a tranquil area where people walk, fish and enjoy the nature reserve, they have a grizzly past. It would be interesting to know how many innocents lost their lives here just because they lived or behaved in an unusual way. Nicknames can go back a very long way.
(With thanks to Peter Whittingham, “Rochford Past and Present” audio CD)