
Witch obsession with Steven Veerapen
Thu 29 Oct · 17:30
National Library of Scotland
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View allAbout This Event
On 29 October 2026 at 17:30, historian Steven Veerapen will present a talk at the National Library of Scotland. The discussion will delve into the history of witches, witchcraft, and witch-hunters. Admission is free of charge.
Join historian Steven Veerapen for a Halloween talk exploring the history of witches, witchcraft, and witch-hunters.
Join historian Steven Veerapen for a Halloween talk exploring the history of witches, witchcraft, and witch-hunters. From mass trials under King James VI and I to the death of the witch-hunting phenomenon, this event traces where our perception of witches – good and bad – came from.
Steven will discuss the new edition of his book 'Witches: A King's Obsession'. He will explore what motivated widespread belief in demonic witchcraft, what caused mass panics, and what led to the witch's relegation to fantasy and the fringes of society.
With Halloween just around the corner, the event will also tap into today's fascination with witches. Expect light-hearted analysis of pop-culture witches, from Hermione Granger to Wanda Maximoff and Elphaba.
The talk will be followed by an audience Q&A.
About the speaker
Steven Veerapen was born in Glasgow to a Scottish mother and a Mauritian father. He is a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde and the author of several books, including 'The Wisest Fool: The Lavish Life of James VI and I', 'Witches: A King's Obsession', and 'Overlord: The Life and Reign of Henry VIII'.
When you book an event, your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and our third-party suppliers for the purposes of allowing you to attend the event and for audience research. For more information, visit the National Library of Scotland privacy pages (https://www.nls.uk/privacy/), in particular the events notice and feedback and complaints notice. We expect attendees to behave respectfully towards presenters, guests and other audience members.
Description supplied by the event organiser.
Staying overnight?
Hotels within walking distance of National Library of Scotland.
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Frequently asked questions
Witch obsession with Steven Veerapen takes place on Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 17:30.
Witch obsession with Steven Veerapen is held at National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh (George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW).
Tickets for Witch obsession with Steven Veerapen are priced at £0.00. Live prices and availability are shown on Eventbrite.
Yes — hotels within walking distance of National Library of Scotland can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.
Tickets for Witch obsession with Steven Veerapen can be booked via Eventbrite using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
Editorial summaryAbout this event
On 29 October 2026 at 17:30, historian Steven Veerapen will present a talk at the National Library of Scotland. The discussion will delve into the history of witches, witchcraft, and witch-hunters. Admission is free of charge.
This summary was automatically generated from event data sourced from official ticketing providers.
Join historian Steven Veerapen for a Halloween talk exploring the history of witches, witchcraft, and witch-hunters.
Join historian Steven Veerapen for a Halloween talk exploring the history of witches, witchcraft, and witch-hunters. From mass trials under King James VI and I to the death of the witch-hunting phenomenon, this event traces where our perception of witches – good and bad – came from.
Steven will discuss the new edition of his book 'Witches: A King's Obsession'. He will explore what motivated widespread belief in demonic witchcraft, what caused mass panics, and what led to the witch's relegation to fantasy and the fringes of society.
With Halloween just around the corner, the event will also tap into today's fascination with witches. Expect light-hearted analysis of pop-culture witches, from Hermione Granger to Wanda Maximoff and Elphaba.
The talk will be followed by an audience Q&A.
About the speaker
Steven Veerapen was born in Glasgow to a Scottish mother and a Mauritian father. He is a lecturer at the University of Strathclyde and the author of several books, including 'The Wisest Fool: The Lavish Life of James VI and I', 'Witches: A King's Obsession', and 'Overlord: The Life and Reign of Henry VIII'.
When you book an event, your personal information will be held and used by the National Library of Scotland and our third-party suppliers for the purposes of allowing you to attend the event and for audience research. For more information, visit the National Library of Scotland privacy pages (https://www.nls.uk/privacy/), in particular the events notice and feedback and complaints notice. We expect attendees to behave respectfully towards presenters, guests and other audience members.
Description supplied by the event organiser.
StayStaying overnight?
Hotels within walking distance of National Library of Scotland. Searching near George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW; check-in Thursday, 29 October 2026.
Ad · Stay22 affiliate link
WhereNational Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW
Before you goFrequently asked questions
When is Witch obsession with Steven Veerapen?
Witch obsession with Steven Veerapen takes place on Thursday, 29 October 2026 at 17:30.
Where is Witch obsession with Steven Veerapen taking place?
Witch obsession with Steven Veerapen is held at National Library of Scotland in Edinburgh (George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW).
How much are tickets for Witch obsession with Steven Veerapen?
Tickets for Witch obsession with Steven Veerapen are priced at £0.00. Live prices and availability are shown on Eventbrite.
Is there anywhere to stay near Witch obsession with Steven Veerapen?
Yes — hotels within walking distance of National Library of Scotland can be compared using the accommodation search further down this page.
How do I get tickets for Witch obsession with Steven Veerapen?
Tickets for Witch obsession with Steven Veerapen can be booked via Eventbrite using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.
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Venue
George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EW
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