Meet an Anglo-Saxon Cunning Woman!

Meet a cunning woman and hear about Anglo-Saxon herbal remedies and superstitions at City Museum this Halloween…

Jen Atkinson, known as The Historic Cunning Woman, is a reenactor whose work explores the mysterious and often overlooked figures in history known as “cunning folk.” Scattered throughout the historical record, these wise individuals served their communities in many ways — from herbal healing and protective charms to divination and even locating lost objects and treasure.

As the Anglo‑Saxon Cunning Woman, Jen has faithfully recreated the grave goods of several 6th‑century women identified by archaeologists as potential “cunning women.” Her aim is to better understand the purpose and meaning of these enigmatic objects by bringing them back into a living, everyday context. Her display features healing charms, protective amulets, and carefully reconstructed herbal remedies.

Come and meet the Anglo‑Saxon Cunning Woman The Mint House and discover how to guard yourself against elf‑shot, craft a healing charm, or treat a wound using the nine magical herbs of the Lacnunga.