A SEARCH has been launched to a find a resident witch to take up residency in a hovel.

Ryedale Folk Museum is looking for a new volunteer to take on role – the only requirement is she must be able to cackle loudly and carve pumpkins for Halloween events.

In one of the museum’s historic buildings is a witch post, which were thought to protect the home from witches and people believed they would stop witches from entering the house.

There are only around twenty known witch posts in the country and all but one can be found in the north-east of Yorkshire.

Jennifer Smith, museum director said: “We are having a bit of fun with this volunteer role, but in all seriousness, it is about how we provide ways for our visitors to understand our buildings, objects and stories of the past. The folklore of witches and witchcraft is quite interesting and we hope to share some of those local tales and mysteries with our visitors.

“This is a lovely role for someone who is happy to spend time chatting with visitors of all ages and finding ways of sparking people’s interest in history.”

The volunteer witch would be required to chat to visitors about the stories of witches in the area and the perceptions of people in the past about witches.

  • The Museum is holding a volunteer recruitment day on Tuesday, March 5 from 10.30am to 3.30pm. This is an opportunity to drop-in and chat to staff and other volunteers.
  • For those unable to attend on the day, you can call 01751-417367 or email craig@ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk