nanshe-of-nina:WOMEN’S HISTORY ✞ SIDONIA VON BORCKE (1548 – 1620)Sidonia von Borck
nanshe-of-nina:WOMEN’S HISTORY ✞ SIDONIA VON BORCKE (1548 – 1620)Sidonia von Borcke was born in Strzmiele, Poland to a Pomeranian noble family. Her parents were Otto von Borcke zu Stramehl-Regenwalde and Anna von Schwiechelt. The only records about her early life concern lawsuits she filed about money she felt was owed to her. In 1604, she took up residence in the Marienfließ Abbey and promptly came into conflict with the abbey’s other residents. In 1619, a particularly nasty dispute erupted between Sidonia and the Unterpriorin Dorothea von Stettin. Eventually, both of them were arrested for the behavior. While in custody, Dorothea accused Sidonia and another woman, Wolde Albrechts, of witchcraft. Sidonia and Wolde were tried that same year for witchcraft. Wolde was found guilty and burned at the stake in 9 October 1619. Sidonia’s trial began 7 December and she was accused of witchcraft as well as murdering Philipp II. von Pommern. After being tortured, Sidonia confessed and was sentenced to death by beheading. After her death, Sidonia lived on in legend. Most of her legend comes from Sidonia von Bork, die Klosterhexe by Wilhelm Meinhold. It was translated into English as Sidonia the Sorceress by Jane Wilde (mother of Oscar Wilde) and became a bit hit in England. Its most famous fans were the Pre-Raphelite Brotherhood who produced many paintings based on the novel. -- source link
#history#17th century