Gruesome history

This plaque marks the spot where 3 women were burnt in 1556 as heretics.

Often confused with the burning of witches which was also popular at the time.

In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII, declared that witchcraft was heresy and a war was declared against the witches and wizards.
Anyone suspected of being a witch or wizard was persecuted and often tortured into making confessions.
Convicted criminals and young children could give evidence and any lawyer who supported the person accused was often marked as suspect.
Anyone convicted was then burnt alive at the bottom of Tower Hill in St Peter Port.
In an 80 year period from 1560 to 1640, 44 people were burnt at the stake and 35 were banished from the island for life.

Source : BBC
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