Chebacco – Historic Ipswich

Mehitable Braybrook, who Burned Down Jacob and Sarah Perkins’ House, Married John Downing and Was Arrested for Witchcraft

September 6, 2025November 8, 2025 Gordon Harris3 Comments

Thatched cottage by a River by Augustus Spencer

She was charged with burning down her master's house and was arrested years later during the witchcraft trials. Her husband had been captured and indentured by Cromwell's forces in Ireland.

The Women of Chebacco Build a Meeting House

January 3, 2024November 17, 2025 Gordon Harris1 Comment

When Chebacco Parish (now Essex) began building their own meeting house, Ipswich authorities obtained an order that “No man shall build a meeting house at Chebacco.” Abigail Proctor saw a glaring legal loophole...