> In Manchester, hundreds of people flocked to a 1793 heart-burning ceremony at a blacksmith’s forge: “Timothy Mead officiated at the altar in the sacrifice to

> In Manchester, hundreds of people flocked to a 1793 heart-burning ceremony at a blacksmith’s forge: “Timothy Mead officiated at the altar in the sacrifice to the Demon Vampire who it was believed was still sucking the blood of the then living wife of Captain Burton,” an early town history says. “It was the month of February and good sleighing.” Yeah, Captain Burton, bruh, your wife was banging someone else. I wouldn't be surprised if quite a few of these vampire allegations were just clever "outs" for a lot of clever people back in the time period. It also has the advantage of not killing a living person (like a witch accusation might); so, perhaps this was the sophisticated safe and intelligent lie to cover your tracks... /shrug