Spooky hocus pocus, witches have been mentioned across various historic passages. In Britain, many accused of witchcraft were executed. This was not limited to a single country either. Around the world, accusations of witchcraft and persecution have taken place.
Even in Macbeth (written by Shakespeare), we see the mention of the witch sisters. The middle ages were full of torture and executions and it was more than a story.
Modern stories like to involve the supernatural and draw inspiration from these historic accounts too. Black cats and pointy hats have their own stories too.