Anna Trapnel: Prophet or Witch?

Abstract

Anna Trapnel came to prominence as a prophetess in England during the 1650s. One of hundreds of visionary women who identified as prophets during the turbulent English Civil Wars and Interregnum period, Trapnel gained a reputation and following for her compelling visionary trances and prophetic declarations. She published several works giving accounts of her visions and propounding God's warnings to all outward political and religious powers. Her controversial prophetic actions and utterances put her at risk and led her into dangerous territory, where some of her enemies would label her 'mad' and some would accuse her of witchcraft. This chapter explores the writings and actions of this independent and outspoken woman, analysing her shifting public identity from 'prophet' to 'witch', as she not only pushed boundaries of gender, but also challenged the dominant political and religious institutions and authority.