Today's featured woman in history holds a special connection to my colleague, Jackie Carpenter—an artist and practicing Green Witch who proudly continues the legacy of her ancestral line. Grace Sherwood, known as "The Witch of Pungo," is Jackie's 11th-generation great-grandmother. Accused of witchcraft in early 1700s Virginia, Grace faced suspicion, persecution, and even a trial by water—yet she never confessed to a crime she didn’t commit. Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience, truth, and the dangers of mass hysteria.
Who Was Grace Sherwood?
Grace White Sherwood, born around 1660 in the British colony of Virginia, was a skilled midwife, herbalist, and farmer who lived in what is now Virginia Beach. She had a deep understanding of plants and natural healing, often assisting her neighbors with remedies and midwifery. Working her land in Pungo, she defied societal expectations—not only through her knowledge and independence but also by wearing trousers while farming, a bold choice in a time when women were expected to be submissive and quiet. But in an era when strong, capable women were often feared, Grace’s gifts made her a target.
Over the years, neighbors accused her of witchcraft, ruining crops, and even shape-shifting into a cat. After multiple accusations, the case against her escalated, and in 1706, she was put through a trial by water—a brutal test where she was thrown into the river to see if she would float (a supposed sign of guilt). Grace survived the ordeal, but instead of being freed, she was imprisoned for several years.
A Woman Who Wouldn’t Break
Despite her unjust trial and time in jail, Grace never admitted to being a witch. She refused to give in to fear or to the expectations of her accusers. When she was finally released, she returned to her land and lived peacefully into her 80s, proving that even in the face of injustice, she wouldn’t be broken.
The Legacy of the Witch of Pungo
For centuries, Grace Sherwood’s name was tarnished, but in 2006—300 years after her trial—Virginia’s Governor officially pardoned her, acknowledging the wrongs committed against her. Today, she is remembered as a symbol of strength, perseverance, and the fight against injustice.
Honoring Grace Sherwood Today
Grace’s story still speaks to us in the modern era. Want to honor her resilience? Try one of these:
Connect with nature—spend time in a garden or work with herbs like rosemary and sage. Learn about women accused of witchcraft—explore the stories of those who stood against injustice. Embrace your strength—stand firm in your truth, even when others misunderstand you.
Grace Sherwood was called a witch, but she was really a woman ahead of her time—one who refused to be silenced. Her legacy reminds us to honor our wisdom, trust in our power, and never let fear define us.
The Witch of Pungo: Grace Sherwood in Virginia History and Legend
$17.12
In 1706, Grace Sherwood was “ducked” after her neighbors in Princess Anne County accused her of witchcraft. Binding and throwing her into the Lynnhaven River,
