Famous soothsayer’s prophecies make for a spellbinding read

The book is among a number being rediscovered by librarians which all delve into tales of magic, witches and ghostly goings on through the centuries.

Born during a wild thunderstorm in the village of Knaresborough in 1488, Mother Shipton, whose real name was Ursula Southeil, gained widespread renown for telling fortunes and making predictions throughout her life.

Shunned by her community for her strange nature and typically ‘witch-like’ looks she retreated to a life of solitude and was simultaneously feared and sought out by persons high and low across England. 

Despite being well-known locally, it wasn’t until years after her death that historians began analysing her prophecies and compiling them into books like the one found in Leeds.

Written in the early 1800s, the text contains details of Mother Shipton’s early life, including a description of her as “larger than common – her body crooked – her face frightful – but her understanding extraordinary.”

A vivid woodcut illustration also depicts a famous scene when the soothsayer was reputedly confronted by nobles sent to her cottage by the powerful Cardinal Wolsey, who was furious she had made the treasonous prediction that he would never set foot inside the city of York.

Under threat of being burned at the stake, a defiant Mother Shipton was said to have plucked a handkerchief from her head and thrown it into the fire, proclaiming that if it did not burn, then neither would she.

Sure enough, the hankie survived unburned and suitably impressed, the cardinal’s representatives left her unharmed.

The book also contains a detailed record of some of Mother Shipton’s most famous predictions, many of them written in verse, including one of her most famous, which has been interpreted as a foretelling of The Plague and The Great Fire of London in 1666.

As the author notes, she foretold: “Triumphant death rides London thro’ And men on tops of houses go,” which was thought to reference both the horrifying death toll of The Plague and people running on rooftops as they fled the devastating blaze which ravaged the capital.

Sally Hughes, librarian at Leeds City Library, said: “Mother Shipton is one of the country’s most fascinating soothsayers and mystics and her legend has grown and been embellished for centuries after her death as people continue to puzzle over the meaning of her many predictions.

“Whether you believe that her prophecies were real or not, what’s clear is that she was a remarkable and formidable woman who commanded considerable respect at a time when life for most women was extremely difficult.

“Having such a comprehensive and detailed account of her work in our collection gives us a unique insight into her life as well and the mystique and intrigue surrounding witchcraft, folklore and fortune-telling which endures even today.”

Other texts to be found in the library’s collection include a copy of The Discoverie of Witches, first published in 1584, which attempted to debunk popular and scholarly beliefs about witchcraft, magic and other superstitions with rational explanations.

Also included is a copy of Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft published in 1830, which covers a range of histories and beliefs on spirits, demonology and witchcraft from a variety of sources.

Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s executive member for housing and hubs, said: “It’s fascinating to see such a unique chapter in the story of Yorkshire captured by writers and historians for future generations to ponder.

“We’re also extremely fortunate to have such a comprehensive collection in our libraries across Leeds which allows us to learn more about so many different facets of our history and heritage.”

All of the books are available for visitors to view by appointment by emailing: heritageandresearch@leeds.gov.uk

ENDS