John Worland first heard of the story of Ursula when researching for the film WitchFinder, which he co-produced and directed.
Over several years, John has dedicated many hours gathering material from archive sources both locally and nationally. Through consulting experts and interviewing many people involved in this remarkable story he has managed to piece together a faithful and revealing account of Ursula Kemp and a 430 year old skeleton forced to become a sideshow and a collection piece for over 90 years.
?I?ve always been less than certain that the remains that were first uncovered in 1921 were Ursula?s, but whoever?s skeleton it was, I felt they had spent far too long above ground and should be returned back to their resting place,? explains John.
When finally exhumed from the ground In St Osyth in 1963, ?Ursula?s? skeleton was bought by the museum of Witchcraft in Boscastle, Cornwall where it was exhibited for over 33 years. It was then sold onto a collector and artist Robert Lenkiewicz and became tied up in his estate after the artist?s death in 2002.
John Worland fought to get the skeleton released. He eventually succeeded and, after extensive examination of the bones and with the cooperation of the Parish Council of St Osyth, was able to re-bury the remains.
John continues: ?The film documents a 16th century travesty of justice and an example of how hysteria can have devastating effects, as well as reminding us that sadly this kind of discrimination and judgement still goes on today. It also examines hard evidence and beyond any hype reaches its own conclusion based on facts.?
And now the secrets can now be revealed.
This groundbreaking DVD reveals the recent findings which show the astonishing truth about the St Osyth skeleton.
The DVD is available to buy now for ?15 plus ?1.50 UK post and packaging at the Ursula Kemp website.
Editors Notes
????Award-winning documentary maker John Worland has a long-standing interest in 16-17th century witch hunting in the East of England. John Worland?s previous film Witch Finder was co-produced with Kerry King. Filmed in and around Manningtree, Essex, it was based on Matthew Hopkins, the self-appointed ?Witch Finder General? in 1645.
For more information about this extraordinary project, for feature articles, images, interviews with John Worland or details about the film preview please contact: Kate Everett (press office) on 0845 5272801 or John Worland on 01206 241820.
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