Granny Boswell
Born
Ann Boswell

1813
County Tipperary, Ireland
Died16 April 1909 (aged 95–96)
Helston, Cornwall, United Kingdom

Ann "Granny" Boswell (1813 – 16 April 1909) was a wise woman and healer, who had a reputation as a witch in Helston, Cornwall, UK.

Life

Ann Boswell was born in Ireland in 1813 of Romany lineage.[1] She married Ephraim Boswell, known as the 'King of the Gypsies'. From 1860, the couple lived in west Cornwall, mostly on the Lizard[2] around Helston. The couple had 6 children[1] the first of whom, Love Unity Boswell, was born in 1861. Her husband worked as a variously a labourer, cane worker, and cabinet maker.[3]

Boswell was known in the area for her work as a wise woman and healer, and would sell healing charms. She was known for her ability to heal sick cattle. Around 1900, A. H. Hawke took a portrait photograph of Boswell sitting smoking a pipe. Boswell was sent to Helston Workhouse for being drunk in public, and died there on 16 April 1909. Her funeral was attended by a large crowd including members of the Romany community, and she is buried at the Tregerest Methodist Chapel.[1][3]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Edgcumbe, Chloe. "Granny Boswell". Museum of Cornish Life. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  2. ↑ Jones, Kelvin I. (1998), Seven Cornish Witches, Penzance: Oakmagic Publications, ISBN 1-901163-56-3
  3. 1 2 Dale, Elizabeth (1 July 2016). "Granny Boswell: Cornwall's Gypsy Queen". Cornish Story. Retrieved 11 March 2021.


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