A haunting relic of America’s tumultuous past has surfaced on the market – an extraordinary 350-year-old estate entwined with the sinister shadows of the Salem witch trials and the fiery crucible of the Revolutionary War.
Nestled at 252 Essex St. in Beverly, Massachusetts, this colonial masterpiece was first constructed in 1675 by William Cleaves as a humble one-bedroom dwelling.
But by 1677, the home had expanded into a grand four-bedroom residence, standing firm as history raged around it. Its ancient fireplace still stands today.
Yet, beneath its aged beams and weathered walls, the estate harbors a chilling past.
Cleaves married the daughter of Giles Corey – a man infamous in Salem’s dark history.
Accused of witchcraft, Corey suffered one of the most brutal executions of the trials.
Before the hysteria, Corey had a reputation for violence. He was once accused of beating a farmhand to death and was rumored to have set fire to John Proctor’s home in retaliation for a court ruling.
Proctor would later become the first man accused of witchcraft during the trials.
An extraordinary 350-year-old estate entwined with the sinister shadows of the Salem witch trials is now on the market
A sketch from the 1692 trial of Giles Corey
Nestled at 252 Essex St. in Beverly, Massachusetts, this colonial masterpiece was first constructed in 1675 by William Cleaves as a humble one-bedroom dwelling
By 1677, it had expanded into a grand four-bedroom home, standing witness to the turbulent tides of history
Its ancient fireplace remains intact, a silent testament to the centuries that have passed
Pictured: The dining area of the Cleaves-built home
Cleaves married the daughter of Giles Corey – a man infamous in Salem’s dark history
As paranoia gripped Salem, Corey and his wife, Martha, were drawn into the chaos. At first, he believed in the trials and even testified against Martha.
But as he realized the horror unfolding, he refused to enter a plea when accused himself.
For his defiance, Corey was subjected to a gruesome punishment – peine forte et dure – slowly crushed beneath heavy stones.
Over three agonizing days in September 1692, he endured the merciless weight of his executioners.
Giles Corey’s brutal and public defiance is believed to have shaken the conscience of Salem, prompting many residents to question the legitimacy of the witch trials, as documented in ‘A Historical Sketch of Salem: 1626-1879’.
Facing certain death, historians believe Corey likely refused trial to ensure his estate passed to his children, not the authorities.
A century later, the home became entwined with another battle for freedom.
Cleaves’ grandson, Nathaniel, took up arms in the Revolutionary War, fighting at Lexington and Concord before returning to battle at Bunker Hill.
Before the hysteria, Corey had a reputation for violence. He was once accused of beating a farmhand to death and was rumored to have set fire to John Proctor’s home in retaliation for a court ruling
Pictured: Illustration for the play ‘Giles Corey, Yeoman’ by Mary E Wilkins
Amidst Salem’s paranoia, Corey initially believed the trials, even testifying against his wife, but later refused to plead when accused
For his defiance, Corey was subjected to a gruesome punishment – peine forte et dure – slowly crushed beneath heavy stones
Over three agonizing days in September 1692, Corey endured the merciless weight of his executioners
Before his death, Corey had sold land to Cleaves, tying the estate forever to this tragic chapter of history
Cleaves’ grandson, Nathaniel, took up arms in the Revolutionary War, fighting at Lexington and Concord before returning to battle at Bunker Hill. His wartime diary is preserved by Historic Beverly
With his final breath, Corey is said to have cursed Salem and its sheriffs, declaring, ‘Damn you! I curse you and Salem!’
Four years later, Sheriff George Corwin – who oversaw Corey’s torture – died suddenly of a heart attack at just 30 years old
His wartime diary is preserved by Historic Beverly.
Corey’s story, however, did not end with his death.
With his final breath, he is said to have cursed Salem and its sheriffs, declaring, ‘Damn you! I curse you and Salem!’
Four years later, Sheriff George Corwin – who oversaw Corey’s torture – died suddenly of a heart attack at just 30 years old.
Locals believe the curse didn’t stop with Corwin but afflicted every Salem sheriff who followed.
In 1981, Essex County Sheriff Robert E. Cahill was forced to retire early due to a stroke, heart attack, and a rare blood condition.
Upon researching the sheriff’s office history, he found an eerie pattern of illness among his predecessors.
As detailed in Cursed in New England, many believe the curse was only broken when the sheriff’s office moved from Salem to Middleton in 1991.
In 1981, Essex County Sheriff Robert E. Cahill was forced to retire early due to a stroke, heart attack, and a rare blood condition. Upon researching the sheriff’s office history, he found an eerie pattern of illness among his predecessors.
As detailed in Cursed in New England, many believe the curse was only broken when the sheriff’s office moved from Salem to Middleton in 1991. Since then, no sheriffs have suffered similar afflictions.
Some say Corey’s ghost still lingers near the Howard Street Cemetery, appearing before tragedy strikes.
Witnesses claimed to have seen his spectral figure before the Great Salem Fire of 1914, which started near Gallows Hill – where his wife, Martha, and 18 others were hanged for witchcraft. The fire went on to devastate much of the town.
Over its 350-year history, only five families have ever called this house home
Pictured: The attic of the Cleaves house
Today, this historic treasure – featuring pine floors, cobblestone-lined vegetable gardens, a lush backyard, and a rustic wooden garage – is listed for $600,000 by Engel & Völkers By The Sea
Since then, no sheriffs have suffered similar afflictions.
Yet, some say Corey’s ghost still lingers near the Howard Street Cemetery, appearing before tragedy strikes.
Witnesses claimed to have seen his spectral figure before the Great Salem Fire of 1914, which started near Gallows Hill – where his wife, Martha, and 18 others were hanged for witchcraft. The fire went on to devastate much of the town.
Over its 350-year history, only five families have ever called this house home. Today, this historic treasure- featuring pine floors, cobblestone-lined vegetable gardens, a lush backyard, and a rustic wooden garage – is listed for $600,000 by Engel & Völkers By The Sea.
Serious buyers may contact listing agent Diantha Phothisan at 978-810-2747.
