Close Window
Pembroke Meadows & Pembroke Shores
Photo Album
Grace Sherwood Statue
The witchcraft case of Grace Sherwood is one of the best known in Virginia.  She was accused of bewitching a neighbor's crop in 1698.  Allegations grew over time until the Princess Anne County government and her accusers decided she would be tested by ducking, since water was considered pure and would not permit a witch to sink into its depths.  Sherwood's accusers on 10 July 1706 tied her hands to her feet and dropped her into the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River near what is now known as Witch Duck Point.  Sherwood floated, a sign of guilt.  She was imprisoned, but was eventually released.  Sherwood lived the rest of her life quietly and died by 1740
On April 21st, 2007, the statue of Grace Sherwood by sculptor Robert Cunningham was dedicated in a ceremony at the corner of Independence Blvd. and Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, VA.

EAST PLAQUE

NORTH PLAQUE

SOUTH PLAQUE
TEXT OF ABOVE LETTER

(State Seal of Virginia)
Commonwealth of Virginia

  Timothy M. Kaine
     Governor

     Ms. Belinda Nash

     Dear Ms. Nash:

     I am pleased to join the Mayor of Virginia Beach in extending best wishes as you work to promote justice in the 1706 "Witch Ducking" case of Grace Sherwood.

     With 300 years of hindsight, we all certainly can agree that trail by water is an injustice.  We also can celebrate the fact women's equality is that a constitutionally protected today, and women have the freedom to pursue their hopes and dreams.

     The historical records that survive indicate that Ms. Sherwood, a midwife and widowed mother of three, survived her "Trial By Water" in 1706.  Those records also indicate that one of my predecessors, Governor Alexander Spotswood, eventually helped her reclaim her property.  The record also indicates Ms. Sherwood led an otherwise quiet and law-abiding life until she died at the age of 80.

     Today, July 10, 2006, as 70th Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I am pleased to officially restore the good name of Grace Sherwood.

                                                              Sincerely,
                                                              (Signed)
                                                              Timothy M. Kaine

Patrick Henry Building, 1111 East Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia  23219
(804) 786-2211, TTY (800) 828-1120

www.governor.virginia.gov

WEST PLAQUE
A woman of good standing with the
Lynnhaven Parrish Church
Married in the parrish church in 1680
was tried for witchcraft and found
guilty, exonerated by governor
Timothy Kaine July 10th, 2006 at 10AM
300 years to the hour
 
 

Donations to the statue of Grace Sherwood
Platinum Level $10,000.00
Herbert and Belinda Nash
Karen and James Sparks
Gold Level $5,000.00
Alice and Joseph Kmet
Silver Level $3,000.00
Carolyn W. and Charles E. Plimpton

And your name can go here also!

Bronze Level $1,000.00
The Hammer Family
Vince and Kimberley Gregorio
Donovan and Margaret Lenaghan
Christopher and Danielle Sheets
Michael and Christy Nash
Douglas Nash
Scott and Dawn Nash
The Friends of the Ferry Plantation House
Etc.Etc.Etc.~Karen Sparks & Karen Strawn
Bayside Researchers~Lillie Gilbert,
Belinda Nash & Deni Norred
Alice B. Glasheen~Memorial Trust
Father Howard Haunchey
Masonry Paving Company
The John Sherwood Family of Maryland
Gerald and Alice Fudala and Family

And your name can go here also!
Photos by Clifton Furedy

All information contained in this web site is the exclusive property of Civic League of Pembroke Meadows, Inc. © 2007
03435