The Mystery of Goody Bassett and Her Connecticut Witchcraft Trial

The town of Stratford, Connecticut is no stranger to haunted history. But talk with locals, and a name will inevitably pop up in conversations — a woman from the mid-1600s named Goody Bassett. Who is she? Only the first person to be indicted on witchcraft charges in Stratford, and the fourth person to be executed for the crime in colonial Connecticut — decades before the Salem Witch Trials commenced. But as famous as she is, Bassett remains a mystery to many — and the subject of many tall tales. However, newly-discovered evidence over the past decade has uncovered new details about Bassett’s story. While what we know about Bassett today is not immune to disagreements, logical inferences, and hearsay, it still sheds light on what former town historian William Howard Wilcoxson described as the “saddest and most distressing event in Stratford’s long history.” Here, we dive into the mystery of Goody Bassett, as well as the nuanced issues that arose in light of efforts in 2023 to clear her name and restore her legacy. Oh yes, there is history here! This video features original footage, research, and narration from There Is History Here, accompanied by images and footage selected from the public domain. If we cannot find images of specific events, people or locations, we use images of similar events, people, and locations for illustrative purposes. This episode was produced, hosted, written, filmed, and edited by Eric Pesale. He is a lawyer and history buff who resides in Stratford. He received his B.A. in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. ** Looking for fun history gifts for your loved ones? Visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/thereishist... to see some fun, and funny, shirts and apparel! **