The Curious Tale of Molly Leigh | Burslem’s Infamous Witch
As I sit here among the scent of fresh oatcakes and the chatter of local stallholders at Tunstall Market, I can't help but feel the pulse of history that runs through the very heart of the Potteries. Just a short walk from where I’m typing this, with my phone in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, lies Burslem, a town steeped in both industrial heritage and haunting folklore. One name that echoes through the cobbled streets of Burslem to this day is that of Molly Leigh, the legendary Burslem witch.
Who Was Molly Leigh?
Molly Leigh, born in 1685, was a real woman who lived on the outskirts of Burslem, in a small cottage near Jackfield. Known officially as Margaret Leigh, she was an eccentric figure even in her own time. She sold milk to the townspeople, kept to herself, and was often seen with a blackbird perched on her shoulder, an image that, even centuries later, fuels the superstition surrounding her name.
Why Was She Branded a Witch?
Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, it didn’t take much to be labelled a witch. Being different, outspoken, or even just a bit too independent was enough. Molly was all three.
The local vicar, Reverend Spencer, accused her of witchcraft. According to local legend, people claimed Molly's presence soured their beer, curdled their milk, and made animals fall ill. Her pet blackbird, a creature associated with dark magic, didn’t help her case. But it’s worth noting that many historians now believe Molly Leigh was simply misunderstood, and possibly targeted out of jealousy, religious zeal, or fear of her solitary lifestyle.
The Haunted Grave and the Midnight Ritual
After her death in 1748, the stories didn’t stop. In fact, they got darker. Molly was buried in St John’s churchyard in Burslem, but locals claimed her spirit continued to haunt the town. In a spine-chilling twist, Reverend Spencer and a group of other church officials allegedly exhumed her body, placed her blackbird inside the coffin, and reburied her at a different angle, supposedly to stop her ghost from walking.
Her grave is still there today, lying sideways across the churchyard rather than in line with the others. It’s become a spooky landmark, and one of the most famous haunted graves in Staffordshire.
Molly Leigh in Modern Times
Today, Molly Leigh is remembered not as a malevolent witch, but as a symbol of how society mistreated women who didn’t fit the mould. Her story is told during ghost tours, in local books, and has even inspired theatrical performances and art in the Potteries.
And yes, if you dare, you can visit her grave at St John’s Church in Burslem.