The Last Exorcism Panic in England, Demons or Disease? The Richard Dugdale Possession Panic

On March 11, 1708, a teenage boy named Richard Dugdale became the center of one of England’s last major public exorcism controversies. What began as violent convulsions and alleged supernatural manifestations quickly escalated into a national debate between religious belief and emerging scientific rationalism.
In this episode of The Strange History Podcast, we explore the Richard Dugdale possession case, the involvement of nonconformist ministers, the crowds that gathered to witness alleged demonic activity, and the growing influence of Enlightenment-era skepticism. We examine firsthand accounts of Dugdale’s fits, reports of vomiting pins and stones, public pamphlet wars, and the shifting cultural landscape that reframed possession as illness rather than spiritual warfare.
Blending 18th century religious history, early medical theory, public hysteria, and the clash between faith and reason, this deep dive reveals how one obscure case marked a turning point in England’s transition from superstition to science.
If you’re fascinated by historical exorcisms, Enlightenment history, demonic possession cases, religious controversy, early psychiatry, and forgotten 1700s scandals, this episode belongs in your queue.
Follow The Strange History Podcast for more strange dates, hidden historical panics, and the moments when belief and logic collided.

• March 11 1708 Richard Dugdale
• last public exorcism in England
• Enlightenment era possession case
• 18th century demonic possession
• England exorcism scandal
• religious hysteria 1700s
• possession vs medical explanation history
• public exorcism debate

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