The Panacea Society are followers of a 19th-century 'prophetess', Joanna Southcott, who wrote more than 60 books of religious thoughts. She claimed to be pregnant with a messenger from God called Shiloh, and thousands of believers awaited the birth. Most melted away when it was announced that Shiloh had been taken up to Heaven immediately on being born. It was a phantom pregnancy. Before Southcott died, she said the secrets of eternal peace and contentment had been left in a sealed coffer until 21 bishops of the Church of England should open it, at which point Christ would return to earth and bring perpetual peace. She still had some supporters, and after the first world war the Panacea Society enjoyed a resurgence.Believers moved to Bedford where they bought a number of houses in the town centre. (Frank Branston, Bedfordshire on Sunday, Bedford)...///...The Panacea Society in Bedford is a schism group formed in 1920, and is regarded with suspicion by `purist' Southcottians. Joanna died apparently in childbirth, but no child appeared. Disciples claimed that she had given birth to a spiritual child, named Shiloh; modern-day Southcottians believe Shiloh has returned and is occupying the body of Prince William. My book, Satan's Mistress, tells the story of this extraordinary woman. (Val Lewis, Shepperton, Surrey)...
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