'To a top witch I bequeath...', Denise Richards, Evening Standard, 19 September 1964

Evening Standard (London), 19 September 1964, page 8, by Denise Richards, with a photograph of Monique Wilson. Published when Gardner's English estate (£21,688) was proved. Jack Bracelin, speaking at Five Acres, says Monique will inherit the Castletown museum on the death of its manager William Worrall, to whom it is left in trust. The piece lists the other "witches or retired witches" in the will: Bracelin (£1,000), Lois Pearson, later Lois Bourne (£1,000 and his shares in Ancient Crafts Ltd), Edith Woodford-Grimes (£1,500) and Doreen Valiente (£200). How to cite: Denise Richards, 'To a top witch I bequeath...', Evening Standard, 19 September 1964, p. 8. Alexandrian Witchcraft Timeline & Archive.

TO A TOP WITCH I BEQUEATH … By Denise Richards MRS. WILSON – “First met Dr. Gardner two years ago.” Mrs. Monique Marie Mauricette Wilson, the high priestess of a Scottish coven of witches, has inherited the unique museum of witchcraft in Castletown, Isle of Man, in the will of Dr. Gerald Brossea Gardner, Britain’s unofficial leader of witches, who died last February aged 80. Mrs. Wilson, who lives at Nimmox Avenue, Perth, is in her early 30’s. “Dr. Gardner met her first about two years ago when he was attending a witches’ meeting,” Mr. Jack Bracelin, a friend of Dr. Gardner’s, who is also a self-confessed witch, said at his club, Five Acres, Garston, Herts, today. “She will inherit the museum - the only one of its kind in the world - on the death of William Worrall, who is the manager. It has been left on trust to him and he plans to continue running it.” ‘Retired witches’ In his will, Dr. Gardner, who lived at Malew Street, Castletown, left estate in England valued at £21,688. Letters of administration with the will annexed have been granted to the Westminster Bank. Other “witches or retired witches” who benefit under the will are Mr. Bracelin (£1000), Mrs. Lois Pearson, of Carlyle Avenue, St. Albans (£1000 and “his shares and interest in Ancient Crafts Ltd.”); Mrs. E. Woodford Grimes, of Avenue Road, Highcliffe, Hants (£1500), Mrs. Doreen Valiente (£200). “Modern witchcraft is a form of religion and has nothing to do with black magic,” said Mr. Bracelin. “It really is a continuation of a pagan religion. “Mr. Gardner was not in any way a wicked man. He regretted the recent spate of church desecrations as much as anyone.”