Northwest in Virginia Beach, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Grace Sherwood
(1660 - 1730)
| | The Ferry Plantation House | |
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
1. Grace Sherwood Marker
Sherwood lived in Princess Anne County from the later 1600s until the 1730s, an era when many American colonists believed in witchcraft as a way to explain unusual events. Sherwood submitted to a trial by water, a witch ducking, in 1706, because of charges that her behavior disrupted the lives of her neighbors. Although found guilty of witchcraft, her life was spared, and she was pardoned formally by the governor of Virginia 300 years later in 2006. She was Virginias only convicted witch tried by water. Witchduck Road and Witchduck Point contribute to preserving her story.
Erected by the Fifth Grade classes of the Virginia Beach City Public Schools in recognition of the 400th Anniversary of Virginia Beach.
Erected by Fifth Grade Classes Virginia Beach Public Schools.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Law Enforcement • Settlements & Settlers • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is July 10, 1706.
Location. 36° 51.752′ N, 76° 7.058′ W. Marker is in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It is in Northwest. It is on Cheswick Lane 0.3 miles north of Cheswick Arch, on the left when traveling north. On the grounds of the Ferry Plantation House. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4136 Cheswick Lane, Virginia Beach VA 23455, United States of America. Touch for directions.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Hampton Roads, specifically in Coastal Virginia, and in the Hampton Roads Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Tidewater. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ferry Plantation House (within shouting distance of this marker); Spring Water Cistern (within shouting distance of this marker); The Brick Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); Founders and Veterans of Lynnhaven Parish Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); Grace White Sherwood (approx. 0.7 miles away); Old Donation Episcopal Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); Old Donation Church (approx. Ύ mile away); The Trial of 1706 (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Virginia Beach.
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
2. Grace Sherwood Marker
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
3. Grace White Sherwood Statue
Married April 1680 to James Sherwood
James died 1701 Survived by sons, John, James and Richard
– –
Sentara Health Care
Has graciously provided this site in
recognition of their community, and The history that surrounds us.
This 21 st Day of April 2007
– –
Sculptor
Robert Cunningham
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
4. Governors Exoneration
Timothy M. Kane
Governor
Ms. Belinda Nash
Dear Ms. Nash: I am pleased to join the Mayor of Virginia Beach in extending best wishes as you work to promote justice in 1706 Witch Ducking case of Grace Sherwood. With 300 years of hindsight , we all certainly can agree that trial by water is an injustice. We also can celebrate the fact womans equality is that a constitutionally protected today, and and women have the freedom to pursue their hopes and dreams. The historical records that survive indicate that Ms. Sherwood , a midwife and widowed mother of three, survived her Trail by Water in 1706. Those records also indicate that one of my predecessors, Governor Alexander Spotswood, eventually helped her claim her property. The record also indicates Ms. Sherwood led an otherwise quiet and law-abiding life until she died at the age of 80. Today, July 10, 2006, as the 70th Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I am pleased to officially restore the good name of Grace Sherwood. Sincerely, Timothy M. Kane
Governor
Ms. Belinda Nash
Dear Ms. Nash: I am pleased to join the Mayor of Virginia Beach in extending best wishes as you work to promote justice in 1706 Witch Ducking case of Grace Sherwood. With 300 years of hindsight , we all certainly can agree that trial by water is an injustice. We also can celebrate the fact womans equality is that a constitutionally protected today, and and women have the freedom to pursue their hopes and dreams. The historical records that survive indicate that Ms. Sherwood , a midwife and widowed mother of three, survived her Trail by Water in 1706. Those records also indicate that one of my predecessors, Governor Alexander Spotswood, eventually helped her claim her property. The record also indicates Ms. Sherwood led an otherwise quiet and law-abiding life until she died at the age of 80. Today, July 10, 2006, as the 70th Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I am pleased to officially restore the good name of Grace Sherwood. Sincerely, Timothy M. Kane
Photographed by Brandon D Cross
5. The Ferry Plantation House Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on November 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 688 times since then and 185 times this year. Last updated on October 31, 2025, by Caleb Kemplin of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on January 9, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
