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Pitt Rivers Museum
There is a silver glass bottle, on display at the Pitt Rivers Museum, which is said to contain a witch. It was collected in 1915 in Hove, Sussex, at a time when traditions were seen to be under threat from major social change. Seemingly outmoded objects like this were used as a means of contrasting past and present.
The Witch in a Bottle gin is available in two volumes: 5cl or 70cl. Please select a volume using the drop down menu.
The tale accompanying the artefact is unusual. The more common form of witch bottle was a magical tool to protect against evil and counteract bewitchment, not a bottle containing a witch. It is said to have been obtained from an 'old lady' who remarked that releasing the witch would unleash 'a peck o’ trouble'.
Whether this unnamed informant existed or not, the narrative supported popular ideas that cast witchcraft as gendered and troublesome, evoking stories of genies, conjurors and fairies. The bottle was collected by folklorist and archaeologist Margaret Murray, who is best known for writing about European witch cults. Her theories emphasised female roles but contrasted with today's understanding of witchcraft as a misogynistic and religious tool for subjugating women. Although discredited, Murray's ideas helped to inspire modern Wicca. They can also be read as the work of a prominent female scholar in a male-dominated academy.
The Pitt Rivers Museum does not plan to ever open the witch bottle from Sussex. They've made a bottle you can open... go ahead... and try this bewitchingly delicious blend of gin made from botanicals including lime flower oil and lemon peel. There are so many stories we can tell about these bottles, do come visit us to find out more.
This item is strictly for sale to Over 18's only. You will be required to verify your age before your order can be fulfilled. Delivery is restricted to specific countries, and you can find more details about this in our Delivery & Returns section.
Dimensions: 5cl or 70cl
Ingredients:
Allergy information:
Shipping to United States of America is currently suspended for the foreseeable future.
The de minimus exemption for orders under $800 going to USA ended on Friday 29 August 2025. Please bear with us while we update our systems to accommodate the new tariffs and duties.
Christmas Delivery Dates
Please be aware that during busy periods, such as Christmas, it may take us longer than normal to respond to enquiries and to dispatch orders.
We recommend placing your order as early as possible to avoid disappointment. These are the recommended last dates for placing your order:
UK delivery – midnight Wednesday 17 December 2025
International delivery – midnight Wednesday 10 December 2025 (delivery times may be affected by customs clearance)
There will be reduced staffing over the Christmas holidays, so any online orders placed after midday Monday 22 December will be dispatched after 5 January 2026.
Our Pickup service is a convenient way for you to order online and collect your purchase in person at the Museum. Simply select the Pickup option at checkout.
The Online Shop team operates between Monday-Friday 10:00-16:00, so please allow time for us to prepare your order for collection or delivery, particularly at busy times of the year. We aim to have your order ready for collection/delivery within 72 hours.
The Museum will be closed on 24, 25, 26 December 2025, and 1 January 2026.
UK 1st Class: delivery 2-5 business days from dispatch
Europe: approximately 3-11 business days from dispatch (customs clearance may cause delays)
Rest of World: approximately 3-11 business days from dispatch (customs clearance may cause delays)
Please be aware that orders to International addresses may be subject to local customs duty or taxes. You will need to pay any additional charges for customs clearance, charges include local VAT and duty based on the value and origin of the product.
There is 5kg weight restriction for UK orders, and a 2kg weight restriction for International orders. If your order exceeds this weight, please contact the Online Shop team so that we can organise a quote for special delivery: onlineshop@ashmus.ox.ac.uk
Further information on our delivery options and returns policy can be found in Shipping & Returns.
