Witches in Early Modern England

Mr. Radcliffe gives deposition alleging that Elizabeth Sawyer threatened his wife, Agnes Radcliffe. According to Mr. Radcliffe, the two women fought after Sawyer's sow ate some of Agnes' soap, and Agnes struck the animal. Sawyer told Agnes "for that Elizabeth Sawyer would be reuenged of her, and thus threatned Agnes Ratcleife, that it should be a deare blow vnto her." (B2-B3)

Annis Glascocke is allegedly identified by one of her old roommates as "a naughtie woman, and a dealer in witchcrafte," according to Michael Stevens. Glascocke "denyeth that she knewe anye such woman, or that any such speaches were vsed vnto her." (38)

Annis Herd is accused by several Little Okeley residents of bewitching, and is sent to prison. (93-94)

Joan Vaughan allegedly "committed something either in spech, or gesture, so [u]nfitting, and [u]nseming the nature of woman-hood, that it displeased the most that were there present," deeply offending Mistress Belcher. Belcher struck Vaugan for the transgression, and forced her out of her company. Vaughan, enraged, replied "shee would remember this iniury, and re[v]enge it." Belcher was unimpressed, and ended the encounter by saying that Vaughan "neither seared her nor her mother: but bad her doe her worst." Vaughan is said to have reported this altercation to her mother, Agnes Brown, and they decided to take revenge on Belcher, after a wait of three or four days to avoid suspicion. (B2-B3)

Hellen Jenkenson is apprehended from her home in Thrapston by Sir Thomas Brook for allegedly bewitching a child to death and committed to Northampton Gaol. She is suspected of the child's murder due to a reputation for living an evil life, and suspicion that she had bewitched cattle and caused other mischiefs in the past. (D2)

Sir Francis Manners succeeds his brother as the Earl of Rutland and takes up residence at Belvoir (Beaver) Castle. Joan Flower, and her daughters Margaret and Phillip, are hired as charwomen to assist with the household's upkeep. Margaret earns a residency as both a poultry-keeper and a laundress. This lasts until the Countess hears accusations that the Flower women have been engaged in various misdemeanors during their employment. (C2-C3)

Countess Manners hears numerous accusations against the Flower women. Joan Flowers, the mother, is said to be "a monstrous malicious woman, full of oathes, curses, and imprecations irreligious, and for any thing they saw by her, a plaine Atheist; besides of late dayes her very countenance was estranged, her eyes were fiery and hollow, her speech fell and enuious, her de[m]eanour strange and exoticke, and her conuersation sequestred; so that the whole course of her life gaue great suspition that she was a notorious Witch, yea some of her neighbours dared to affirme that shee dealt with familiar spirits, and terrified them all with curses and threatning of reuenge, if there were neuer so little cause of displeasure and vnkindnesse." (C2-C4)

Justice Arthur Robinson, having held a long suspicion that Elizabeth Sawyer is a witch, has thatching taken from her roof. He alleges that wherever some of the thatching was burnt, Sawyer was soon seen to come, thereby proving she is a witch. (A4-B1)

Elizabeth Sawyer's appearance and habits are used as further proof that she is a witch. She is allegedly bloodlessly pale and ghost-like in her face, with a tendency to stare at the ground; her body is crooked and deformed, and her tongue appears to be under the Devil's control at her apprehension and trial, due to her long cursing, swearing, blaspheming and imprecating. Her tongue in particular is identified as "the meanes of her owne destruction, which had destroyed many before." (B1)

Sir Francis Manners, the Earl of Rutland, develops a dislike of Joan, Margaret and Phillip Flower and ceases to hear their complaints. The Countess, the Earl's wife, eventually discharges Margaret for "[i]ndecencies both in her life and neglect of her businesse." Margaret is turned out of Belvoir (Beaver) Castle with a severance of 40 shillings, a bolster and a mattress of wool. In the aftermath, Joan Flower is "exprobrated by her neighbours for her Daughters casting out of dores, and other conceiued displeasures" and "many times cursed them all that were the cause of this discontentment, and made her so loathsome to her former familiar friends, and beneficiall acquaintance." (C4-C4v)

Anonymous 346 accuses Anne West of sending her familiars, in the shape of four black rabbits, to trouble him. West allegedly retorts that "that they were not sent to trouble him, but were sent out as Scouts upon another designe." (39-40)

Widow Perry and her sons (Anonymous 92 and Anonymous 93) are apprehended on the suspicion of robbing and murdering William Harrison. (6)

Temperance Floyd of Bideford is accused of being a witch, and of also teaching Mary Floyd and Susannah Edwards the art of witchcraft. (3)

Dorcas Colesman accuses Susanna Edwards of causing her tormenting pains that have lasted for many weeks. (2)

Temperance Lloyd is accused of bewitching Grace Thomas, by causing her to feel as though she had been pricked with 'pins and awls.' (8)

Anne Fowler is accused by Walter Fowler, her son, of bewitching him and others for many years. (2)

Temperance Lloyd is accused of pricking and tormenting her accuser, Grace Thomas, causing intense bodily harm. (10)

Arthur Bill and his mother allegedly conspire to bewitch a round ball into Bill (Father)'s throat to prevent him from relenting and making a confession. The ball remains lodged in Bill (Father)'s throat for some time, during which he was unable to speak a word. However, it eventually worked its way out, and Bill (Father) became the principal witness against Arthur. (C3)

Joan Williford accuses Jane Hott, Elizabeth Harris and Joan Cariden, alias Argoll, of being her fellow witches during her confession. She alleges that Harris cursed John Woodcott's boat six or seven years before, and that Cariden had cursed both Robert Greenstreet, Mayor of Faversham, and John Mannington. Mannington's curse was that he should not thrive, which Willimot claims came to pass. (1-2)

Joan Cariden, alias Argoll, is examined a third time before Mayor Robert Greenwood on September 27, 1645. During this examination, Cariden made a confession alleging that Jane Hott told her there had been "a great meeting at Goodwife Panterys house, and that Goodwife Dadson was there, and that Goodwife Gardner should have been there, but did not come, and the Divell sat at the upper end of the Table." (3)

An old wet woman who is later identified as Jennet Dibble, claims to have been a witch for 40 years. She also identifies Elizabeth Fletcher as the witch who bewitched Elizabeth, Margaret Waite as a witch, and her daughter Maragaret Thorpe as the witch who had visited Helen. (71-72)

James Device alleges during his examination that, around the last Saint Peter's Day, Henry Bullocke came to Elizabeth Southerns and accused her granddaughter, James' sister, Alison Device, of bewitching his child, and demanded that Alison come with him to his house. Alison did, and when they got there, James claims he saw her fall on her knees, beg forgiveness, and confess to bewitching the child. (C2)

James Device alleges during his examination that, twelve years before, Anne Whittle took three scalps and and eight teeth from people buried in the graveyard of the new church in Pendle. Whittle is said to have kept four teeth for herself, and to have given the other four to Elizabeth Southerns, who showed them to Device. (E3v)

Alison Device alleges during her examination that, about eleven years before, the family's firehouse was broken into and all or most of their linen, half a peck of cut oatmeal and a quantity of meal was stolen, all worth about twenty shillings. The following Sunday, Alison says she went to Anne Redferne and took a parcel of the same from her, claiming they were the goods stolen from her family. (E4-E4v)

Grace Sowerbutts is examined under oath. She claims that, for the last several years, she has been haunted and vexed by some women. She names them as her grandmother Jennet Bierley, her aunt Ellen Bierley, Jane Southworth and Old Doewife. (K4v)

Grace Sowerbutts accuses Jennet Bierley, Ellen Bierley, Jane Southworth and Old Doewife of dragging her violently by her hair and laying her on top of Henry Bierley's hay-mow. (K4v)

James Device gives deposition alleging that both Jane Bulcock and John Bulcock attended the feast at Malking Tower on Good Friday. (Q3v-Q4)

William Searle gives a statement before Justice Robert Bernard alleging that, three or four years before, Francis Moore had requested to bake a loaf of bread at his home, and he refused her. In retribution, she set her familiar Pretty on his chickens, causing them to flutter, refuse to eat and die. (7)

Alexander Anderson and James Anderson of Glasgow allegedly torment Christian Shaw. Christian Shaw accuses them and two other men. (7)

An Alderman of Nottingham, offended that William Sommers has accused his kinswoman Doll Freeman of being a witch, makes a counter-accusation against Sommers and has Sommers imprisoned for witchcraft himself. (Image 6)

The innkeeper, Anonymous 459, sees Anne Kirk exiting a neighbour's house not long after she allegedly bewitched his child to death. He waits until she has left, then tells his neighbour that she is a witch and responsible for his child's death. He falls sick when he gets home, and dies not long after. (100-101)

William Wicherely, during his examination, identifies a group of magicians and conjurers from the five hundred he claims are practicing magic in England. ()

Margery Sammon is accused of having inherited her deceased mother, Mother Barnes' familiars. Sammon first confesses to returned home to care for her mother for the six months before her death, but she both denies that she had "any spirites of her sayd Mother, or that her mother had any to her knowledge." Having been pulled aside by her sister Ales Hunt, Sammon later confesses to have received two familiars, Tom and Robbyn, from her mother on the day she died. (C4-C4v)

Elizabeth Francis alleges in her confession that Mother Osborne is a witch and has a mark on the end of her fingers like a pit, and another mark on the outside of her right leg that Francis believes to have been plucked out by Osborne's familiar spirit. Francis saw the marks when Mother Osborne asked her for help with her sore legs; the marks are said to be similar to ones Francis' sister, Mother Waterhouse, has. (6-7)

Joan Pechey is accused during her trial of lying in bed naked with her own son. She denies this, but her son confesses that this is true. (48)

Robert Sanneuet accuses Elizabeth Ewstace of bewitching him circa 1567 and Margaret Ewstace of bewitching his brother Crosse circa 1570. (49)

Henry Sellis is accused by Richard Ross of bewitching his horses to death in 1574. (51)

Henry Sellis describes (to Brian Darcey) how his mother, Cysely Sellis, kept her goose-eyed black male imp, Hercules (or Jacke) and her white female imp, Mercurie hidden by "foure Brome fagots" in the roots of a crabtree, where they "stand and lye vpo~ a sleese of wooll." (52)

Margaret Simons is accused by John Ferrall, a vicar in Kent, of bewitching his son (Anonymous 74). Allegedly, Simons cursed Ferrall's son (Anonymous 74) after he attacked her dog with a knife. Five days after the incident the boy (Anonymous 74) became very ill, but was able to recover with the help of another witch. (3-4)

John and Cysley Sellis are accused by Joan Smith of bewitching a child to death. (53)

Ales Hunt and her mother, the Widow Barnes are accused by Ursely Kempe of bewitching Rebecca Durrant, a crime for which Hunt is indicted and tried, but found not guilty. (D4v)

Cysley Sellis is accused by Thomas Death of bewitching his son, John to death. A crime for which she is indicted, found guilty, and remanded. (D8v)

Anne Baker is accused during her examination of bewitching Elizabeth Hough to death. Baker admits to having been angry with Hough, for Hough "angred her in giuing her almes of her second bread" and felt that Hough "might haue giuen her of her better bread, for she had gone too often on her errands." She neither confirms nor denies any involvement in Hough's demise, however. (E)

Henry Milles accuses Anne Baker of causing him "two or three ill nights" during her examination. She replies "you should haue let me alone then," implying that he had been harassing her in some capacity. (Ev)

Joan Prentice confesses that Elizabeth Whale, the wife of Michael Whale, and Elizabeth Mott, the wife of John Mott, are "well acquainted" with her familiar Bidd, Although she states she "knoweth not what hurt they or any of the~ haue doone to any of their neighbour," her statement clearly implicates Whale and Mott as witches. (B, B2v)

Joan Willimot alleges during her examination that Joan Flower told her that "my Lord of Rutland had dealt badly with her and that they had put away her Daughter, and that although she could not haue her will of my Lord himselfe, yet she had spied my Lords Sonne and had stricken him to the heart." Willimott claimed that Henry Lord Rosse's death was due to being "striken with a white Spirit." She added that she could cure people afflicted in this manner. (E2v)

An archer (Anonymous 75), of the town Malling in Kent, is accused of playing with a fly devil or familiar that enhances his skill in archery. The archer (Anonymous 75) won two or three shillings as a result of his advanced abilities, and was then severely punished by authority figures to appease the other angered archers and to overthrow witchcraft. (52)

Stretton's neighbour (Anonymous 487) and his wife (Anonymous 322) are believed to have caused the demonic being to torment Jane Stretton, when it is discovered that the cunning man (Anonymous 487) and Jane Stetton's father, Thomas Stretton, had been in an argument. The cunning man and his wife are brought before her while she is having a fit, where fire burns her mouth. Anonymous 322 admits that "she could not have stayed any longer from her." (8-9)

Arthur Robinson, a Justice of Peace, gives deposition alleging that numerous of Elizabeth Sawyer's neighbours came to him and said Sawyer had "a priuate and strange marke on her body." He thus requested that the Bench assemble a Jury of Women to search Sawyer, which the Bench granted. (B3)

A young girl (Anonymous 79) who is nursed by Alice Flower accuses her of being a witch. (2)

Elizabeth Burgiss gives deposition in court that Joan Buts caused stones, some as large as a man's fist, to fly about her master's yard such that everyone was forced inside the house. The stones are said to have hit only her, and once everyone was inside, to have flung themselves at the windows without breaking the glass. (2)

Mr. Chamblet alleges in his deposition that, shortly after he found his swine to be bewitched, his daughter Elizabeth Chamblet was also bewitched by Jane Kent; he claims she swelled all over her body and her skin became discoloured, resulting in her death. (3-4)

Thomas Prat writes a document accusing Mother Staunton of witchcraft, detailing numerous events in support, and witnessed by Thou Farrour and Thomas Swallowe; he delivers the document to Master George Nichols. (10)

Mother Agnes Waterhouse accuses Agnes Browne of lying, on the basis that she owns nothing like the dagger Browne claimed the thing like a black dog threatened her with. Joan Waterhouse takes the opportunity to insist that when she conjured Sathan, he appeared as a dog, not a dog-thing with an ape's face. Queen's Attorney Master Gerard asks Mother Waterhouse to summon Sathan to settle the matter, but she insists that she no longer has any power over him. (28-36)

Mary Darnell gives a statement before Justice Robert Bernard alleging that, a year ago, Elizabeth Chandler bewitched her daughter Katherine Darnell to death. Darnell claims that Katherine and a child of Chandler's had a falling out while eating furmity at a neighbor's home one day, and that Katherine came home complaining that Chandler had boxed her ear. Katherine was sick for the next three weeks, complaining the whole time of pain in her ear and that Chandler was appearing to her; she would cry out that Chandler wanted to kill her. She died of the illness, at the age of nine. (8-9)

Peter Slater gives a statement before Justice Robert Bernard, alleging that his wife had a falling out with Francis Moore 21 years before. Not long after, his wife gave birth to their child, and a week after the birth his wife suddenly got sick and died. He says that ever since that day, he has suspected Moore of witchcraft. (6)

William Searle gives a statement alleging that, three or four years before, Francis Moore had caused one of his hogs to die in retribution for some of his servants setting a dog on one of her hogs. (7)

Master Enger goes to the field where Mary Sutton is tending hogs. He accuses her of having come to his home the night before, to visit Anonymous 89 by moonlight, but she denies it. Master Enger attempts to persuade her to come back to his home, where he claims Anonymous 89 is waiting to accept her proposition. She refuses, stating that "neyther had they authoritie to compell her to goe without a Constable." At this, Master Enger has her snatched and set unwilling on horseback. Though she fights back, she is eventually held down and made to stay on the horse. (B4v-C)

Master Enger's son hears the rumours about Mary Sutton and Mother Sutton, and the child throws stones at Mother Sutton while calling her a witch when she comes to grind her corn at the mill. Mother Sutton "conceited a rancour, and deadly hatred to this young childe, and purposed not to suffer opportunitie passe to be reuenged." (C-Cv)

Master Enger accuses Mary Sutton of bewitching his cattle, causing his servant Anonymous 79 to languish, and bewitching his son to death. Mary Sutton proclaims her innocence, but is forced to confess when Enger tells her "it was bootlesse to stand so obstinately vpon deniall of those matters, for her owne sonne Henry had reuealed all, both as touching her selfe and her mother, and of the time and manner of their plotting to torment his little boy." (C3)

Elizabeth Chandler alleges during her examination that she had a falling out with Mary Darnell, during which Darnell turned her into a duck. She claims that her visitations from the roaring apparition began about six months later. (8)

Mary Darnell alleges in her statement that, not long after her daughter's death, she made a pot of furmity and invited the neighbors over, but the pot kept boiling for an hour after she pulled it off the fire. She was unable to prevent it from boiling over, despite transferring it to numerous other bowls, tubs and vessels. Darnell heard from Lewis Carmell that Elizabeth Chandler had confessed to sending a familiar named Beelzebub to spoil the furmity. (9)

Christian Shaw vomits many pins and accuses one of her tormentors of having forced the pins in her mouth. (15)

Samuel Pacy gives deposition in court alleging that, the previous October, his younger daughter Deborah suddenly became lame, and remained so for seven days. On the seventh day, Amy Denny came to the Pacy home and attempted to buy herrings. She was sent away three times; the third time she left grumbling discontentedly. At the same moment, Pacy claims Deborah was taken with violent fits of extreme pain in her stomach, as if pricked by pins, and shrieked dreadfully. (18-20)

Christian Shaw claims that Maggi (Margaret) placed a charm on the house in which her little sister lived. (20-21)

Christian Shaw alleges that John Lindsay is one of her most violent tormentors. She is immediately afterward seized with a fit. (21)

An old highland fellow (Anonymous 98) comes to Bargarren looking for lodging. Christian Shaw tells her mother and another gentlewoman that her tormentor is near and, going into the kitchen where the old highland fellow sit, she accuses him of being a tormentor and falls into a violent fit at his touch. (21-22)

Elizabeth Anderson confesses to Bargarren of having been imprecated in witchcraft, tormenting Christian Shaw, and having had several meetings with witches and the Devil. She also accuses her father and the old highland fellow (Anonymous 98) of tormenting Christian Shaw. (23)

Christian Shaw has a fit during which she seems to chew on an orange pill. She seems to choke during her fit, but recovers. She claims the gentlewoman gave her the orange pill and that there had been other, particularly Maggi (Margaret). (24)

Robert Sherringham gives deposition in court that his cart had smashed into Rose Cullender's home, breaking part of the house; he claims that that she threatened him when she saw the damage and told him his horses would suffer for it. Sure enough, all four died a short time later. (54-55)

Robert Sherringham gives deposition alleging that Rose Cullender is responsible for the death of all his all his piglets, a persistent lameness in his limbs, and for plaguing him with "a great Number of Lice of an extraordinary bigness." He says that he was forced to burn all his clothes to be rid of the lice. (54-55)

Mary Ellins, a nine or ten year old girl, goes to "the fields," in April, 1652 with some other children "to gather cowslips." However, along the way, they encounter "one Catherine Huxley, a single Woman," around forty years of age. The "Children called her Witch," and took to throwing stones at her. Mary Ellins partook in calling Catherine Huxley a witch, but was "so affrighted," she could not throw stones at her. (44)

William Sommers, as alleged by Joan Pie in her deposition, named witches after his deposition, including Millicent Horselie of Bridgeford. While Horselie was being examined, Sommers was heard to describe what was happening to her, though he was not present and those with him had no knowledge of the examination. (Image 15)

Faith Corbet suffers from the worst of her fits: it last twenty two hours. Sometimes her tongue hangs out, sometimes her teeth grit. Her legs and arms twist, her stomach carves in. She lays still with her eyes open, as though dead, but can hear, understand, and at times accuse Alice Huson and Doll Bilby. (55)

Faith Corbet, after a short recovery, facilitated by the presence and attention of three doctors, again falls into fits after seeing Doll Bilby. Henry Corbet decide to take action against Alice Huson and Doll Bilby (56-57)

Anthony Birch claims "it manifestly appeareth that the said Doctor Lambe was an absolute Witch, a Sorcerer and Iugling person absolutely giuen ouer to lewd wicked and diabolicall courses, an invocator and adorer of impious and wicked Spirits." (5-6)

John Hart allegedly dies from witchcraft administered by Rebecca West. Charges for this are presented Thomas Hart, his father, John Edes, a clerk, and an unnamed doctor (Anonymous 119). Rebbecca West allegedly pleads guilty to this murder, saying this had all been occasioned by her extreme poverty. (15-16)

Jane Buts alleges in court that Hakeing, one of the witnesses, "had given himself to the Devil Soul and Body" but is unable to answer Lord Chief Justice Sir Francis Pemberton when he demands how she knows this. Pemberton rebukes her for abusing the witnesses. (2)

Mr. Chamblet alleges in his deposition that he had bargained with Jane Kent over two of his pigs, and that when he refused to deliver them without payment, she bewitched all of his swine. (3-4)

Thomas Eastchurch, Elizabeth Eastchurch, Honor Hooper, and Anne Wakely give evidence against Temperance Lloyd. The evidence supports claims that Lloyd practiced witchcraft against the body of Grace Thomas. (17)

Elizabeth Jennings accuses Margaret Russell (alias Countess, and potentially Anonymous 139), Jane Flower, Katherine Stubbs, and Nan Wood of bewitching her. She calls for the Countess' imprisonment. ()

Thomas Darlings grandmother (Mistress Walkden) and aunt (Mistress Saunders) visit him. After hearing his story of the woman in the wood, Darling's grandmother (Mistress Walkden) claims he does not have the falling sickness, but has been bewitched by Alice Gooderidge. (5)

James Robinson alleges during his examination that, eighteen years before, he lived with Robert Nutter the elder. During this time, Robert Nutter the younger fell ill, and Robinson heard him complain several times that "he verily thought that the said Anne Whittle, alias Chattox, and the said Redfernes wife, had bewitched him." Shortly after that, just before Nutter departed for Wales with his master, Sir Richard Shattleworth, Robinson heard him speaking to Thomas Redferne; Nutter told Redferne that "if euer he came againe he would get his Father to put the said Redferne out of his house, or he himselfe would pull it downe." Nutter died on his way home, before Candlemas of the same year. (E2-E2v)

James Robinson claims during his examination that "Anne Whittle, alias Chattox, and Anne Redferne her said Daughter, are commonly reputed and reported to bee Witches." (E2-E2v)

Alison Device alleges during her examination that she had seen Anne Whittle with a clay image of John Moore Jr, child of John Moore. The child fell sick, languished for half a year and died. (E4-F)

Alison Device alleges during her examination that, two years before, she was visiting with Anne Nutter, Anthony Nutter's daughter at their home, when Anne Whittle came to call. Device and Anne laughed at Whittle, and Whittle said to them "I will be meet with the one of you." Anne Nutter became sick the next day and died three weeks later. (E4-E4v)

James Device alleges during his examination that, two years before, his grandmother Elizabeth Southerns urged him to go to the new church in Pendle the day before Good Friday and take Communion, but not to eat the bread. Instead, he was to deliver it to whatever thing met him on the way back home. He went to church as requested, but decided to eat the Communion bread. On the way home, he met a thing in the shape of a hare, which demanded to know whether he had brought the bread. When Device answered that he had not, the hare threatened to pull him to pieces. It vanished when Device crossed himself. (H3)

Jennet Device alleges during her deposition that two years before, her brother James Device called his familiar Dandy in her presence and asked the familiar to help him kill Anne Townley. A week later, Jennet claims she saw Townley in the kitchen of the the Carre-Hall looking unwell, and she thinks that James and Dandy are responsible. (H4v)

Grace Sowerbutts alleges during her examination that at Two Brigges between Preston and Salmesbury, Jennet Bierley and Ellen Bierley appeared to her in their own shapes, caused her to fall down, and robbed her of speech for the next several days. They appeared to her again while she lay in her father's house, but did nothing at that time. (K4v-Lv)

Grace Sowerbutts accuses Jennet Bierley and Ellen Bierley of going into Thomas Walshman's house at night and stealing Walshman's child from their bed. Grace alleges that Jennet and Ellen set the child down by the fire and pierced its navel with a nail, then set a pen in the wound and sucked from it. They returned the child to the bed after. Grace claims the child did not cry when it was hurt, but it languished thereafter and died. The night after the child's burial, Jennet and Ellen dug it up from the churchyard. They boiled some of it in a pot and broiled the rest on the coals, and ate it. Grace said that they tried to get her and Ellen's daughter to eat as well, but both refused. After, they rendered fat from the child's bones to anoint themselves with so they could change shapes. They said they would return the bones to the grave the next night, but Grace did not know whether they did. (K4v-L2v)

Grace Sowerbutts alleges in her deposition that Jane Southworth repeatedly came to her, set her in haylofts and ditches, and robbed her of speech and senses. (K4v, L2v-L4)

John Law gives deposition alleging that this last March, he walked through Colne with his pack of wares and there met Alison Device. Device demanded pins, but he would not give her any, and she became angry. When he left her, he fell down lame. After some time, he was able to make it to a nearby ale-house, and lay there in great pain unable to stir his limbs. He saw a great black dog standing by him, with fiery eyes, large feet and a "terrible countenance." Device came shortly thereafter, looked at him for a short time, and left. He claims that he was tormented day and night by Device thereafter, and remained lame. (R4v)

Abraham Law gives deposition on March 30 before Justice of the Peace Roger Nowell, alleging that two Saturdays before, he had received a letter from his father John Law saying that John was speechless and had been lamed on his left side. Abraham went to his father, finding him recovered somewhat in his speech and complaining of a sensation of being pricked since Alison Device had tried to buy pins from him but could not pay; John claimed that he had given her the pins nevertheless. Abraham reported hearing his father say that Device was responsible for his hurt and lameness through witchcraft, and lay upon him to trouble him along with an old woman John did not know. (S-Sv)

John Webster accuses Dr. Casaubon of being a sworn witchmonger. (8)

Edmund Robinson Jr. claims he saw a woman (Anonymous 155) pricking a picture with thorns. (349 (unnumbered page))

Dorothy Rodes testifies against Mary Tempest before Henry Tempest. She explains that she was lying with her daughter, Sara, one Sunday evening when her daughter cried that Mary Sykes had come in through a hole in the bed, grabbed her by the throat and put her fingers down her mouth taking away her ability to speak. (28-29)

Margaret Morton is accused by Joan Booth of bewitching her son (Anonymous 157). Morton allegedly came to Booth's house "and gave her sonn (about fower yeares old) and then in good health [...] a peece of bread." After Morton gave the child this bread, he became sick "and his body swelled very much," with his skin wasting away daily till he could not stand anymore. To counteract the bewitchment, Booth sent to have Morton brought to her house again, at which time Morton "asked the child for forgiveness three times." At this time Booth also drew Morton's blood "with a pin," and immediately after "the child was amended." (38)

Robert Cliff accused Hester France of having bewitched him because he, as testified by John Johnson, had been ill for a long time. When Hester France came to see Robert Cliff, he scratcht her very sore, and sayed, I thinke thou art the woman that hath done me this wrong, as an act of counter magic. Hester France told Robert Cliff that she never did hurt in her life. (52)

Elizabeth Lambe allegedly draws blood from John Wright's heart, making him ill. Wright believes drawing Lambe's blood will save him, but asserts if he should die shortly after scratching her, she would be to blame. John Wright scratches Elizabeth Lambe, and dies shortly after, as witnessed by Richard Brown. (58)

John Tatterson asks Anne Greene for help while feeling ill. She advises that black wool will help, but he is skeptical. Greene then pulls out her garter, runs it around his ear three times, and then takes hair from his neck. Shortly after this, Tatterson feels worse; however, after returning and threatening Greene, she crosses his ear again (three times). Tatterson begins to heal as "corruptible matter [runs] outt of his eare." (65)

Elizabeth Roberts allegedly appears to John Greendife in the shape of a bee. Greendife's body writhes in such torment that he must be held down by about five or six people. (67)

George and Jennet Benton are accused by Richard Jackson of causing the death of eighteen of his horses by witchcraft. (75)

Anne Bodenham is questioned by Edmund Bower about who she knows to be a witch. Bodenham states that she only knows one, a man named Withers, who lived by Rumsey in Hampshire, and who could do the most tricks of any one she knew. (34-35)

John Rivet accuses Elizabeth Clarke of bewitching his wife (Mrs. Rivet). Rivet claims that his wife was taken sick and lame, withviolent fits, and was told by a cunning woman Mrs. Hoyve that two neighbors had cursed his wife. Rivet suspects Elizabeth Clarke and her mother because of the proximity of her home and the common knowledge that "Elizabeths mother and some other of her kinsfolke did suffer death for Witchcraft and murther." (5)

Richard Galis, allegedly tormented by "infinite paines both in body and purse eche" storms into Father Rosimond's home with a cudgel in hand, drags him out by his hair and shoulders, furiously demands the man diagnose his ailment and its cause. Rosimond cries out "you are bewitched, you are bewitched," and identifies Elizabeth Stile, Mother Dutton, and Mother Devell, as the cause. (Image 11)

Thomas Addy claims that physicians must be inculcated in the production of witch beliefs, because when faced by their inability to diagnose a natural cause of illness, they are willing to accept the patient's belief that it might be witchcraft causing their (or their livestock's) disease. (114-115)

Thomas Addy accuses 'ignorant' physicians of diagnosing natural disease as bewitchment, making sick children into demoniacs. (169)

Henry Smith stops Elizabeth Hancocke as she travels home and, seeming in jest, accuses her of stealing his wife Mary Smith's hen. Smith herself arrives and repeats the accusation adding, that she "wished that the bones thereof might sticke in her throat, when she should eate the same." Hancocke, seeing the hen she was accused of stealing roosting in the thatch of the shop door, in "some passion and angry manner," wished "the pox to light vpon" Mary Smith. (50-51)

Mary Poole is accused of being a witch. A gentleman claims that about seven years ago, he crossed paths with Mary Poole on Sutors-Hill, between Graves-end and Rochester. After an exchange of words, he gives her a cut with his whip and rides away, but within forty yards, his horse fell and she overtook him. Believing his horse had been bewitched, he concludes Mary Poole must be a witch. (2)

Margaret Muschamp, after fighting off the Rogue during her fits, allegedly writes with her hand on her breast while her eyes are fixed on her angels. When given a pen and paper, she will write "Jo Hu. Do. Swo. have beene the death of one deare friend, consume another, and torment mee" while shrinking back as if anticipating a blow. She falls into a convulsive fit if someone takes the paper from her, lasting until she can burn it or chew it into illegibility. (5)

Diana Crosse, a suspected witch, stands trial at the City Assizes. She is accused by Mr. Ezekiel Trible of burning down his house, rendering him unable to smoke his pipe properly, and making one of his employees (Anonymous 213) sick by "cast[ing] her evil eye." (150-151)

The witness (Anonymous 215) claims that she came home on certain occasions and the chimney was ablaze with either little or no fire in the hearth. She was not surprised, however, because she had heard that Diana Crosse had surreptitiously entered her room. (151)

Mrs. Dicker testifies that shortly after she refused to help Diana Crosse, her child (Anonymous 214) becomes quite ill. She suddenly discovers the presence of a toad and a number of small worms in her house. (151)

Mrs. Southcott testifies against Diana Crosse. She claims that her daughter went to Crosse's school but since she (Southcott) was displeased, she removed her daughter and put her in Goodwife Woodman's school. Shortly after, her daughter became ill. She was ill for five years and then died. Mrs. Southcott's husband died five weeks later and Goodwife Woodman died seven weeks after. (152)

Johan Furnace is accused of bewitching "one Greene, who gets taken with fits in his head and distempers in his body." Greene is able to talk in Johan Furnace's presence, but gets distracted as soon as she leaves. (153)

Mr. Radcliffe alleges in his deposition that the evening after Agnes Radcliffe and Elizabeth Sawyer fought, Agnes fell sick and "was extraordinarily vexed, and in a most strange manner in her sicknesse was tormented." She died about four days later, foaming at the mouth and distempered. Radcliffe claims that Agnes, on her deathbed, said to him, "if shee did die at that time shee would verily take it on her death, that Elizabeth Sawyer her neighbour, whose Sowe with a washing-Beetle she had stricken, and so for that cause her malice being great, was the occasion of her death." (B2-B3)

Margaret Wellam is suspected of being a witch and feeding evil spirits. Andrew Cansfield of London testifies against her. (265)

Barbara Bartle of Stepney, Middlesex is tried for allegedly bewitching Elizabeth Gyan of Stepney, Middlesex. Gyan is allegedly made lame, languishes, and is speechless for nearly a month by the time the trial takes place. Bartle pleads not guilty. ()

Barbara Bartle allegedly bewitches Elizabeth Gyan. Gyan languishes in pain, is lame, and is left speechless for nearly a month. ()

Mary Moore speaks to her niece, Elizabeth Muschamp, about Margaret Muschamp's writing. They both agree that "Jo Hu. Do. Swo. have beene the death of one deare friend, consume another, and torment mee" can only mean that Dorothy Swinow is responsible for Margaret's torments and George Muschamp Jr.'s consumption. Elizabeth claims that Swinow came to visit Margaret once when Moore was away, and spoke harshly of Moore to the child. (8)

Mary Moore travels to Newcastle on business, accompanied by her trusted servant William Hall. Hall, noting her sadness, asks if she will confide confide in him the cause. Moore does so, revealing her suspicions about Dorothy Swinow being the cause of Margaret Muschamp's and George Muschamp Jr.'s afflictions. Moore allegedly takes care that "no living soule being by." She concludes her business and returns home to Spital. (6)

Margaret Muschamp allegedly has a fit upon Mary Moore's return from Newcastle, in which she claims that "if she had two drops of his blood or hers, within ten dayes, it would save her life; if not death long comming, but torment perpetually." These fits occur daily, with Muschamp counting down the days as they progress. When she reaches three days, she writes again, weeping all the while, "JO. HU. DO. SVVI. hath been the death of one deare friend, consumes mother deare friend, and torments me," this time adding "two drops of his or her bloud would save my life, if I have it not I am undone, for seven yeares to be tormented before death come." (6-7)

Joan Haddon is indicted for allegedly bewitching Joan, the wife of Robert Bowltell, Thomas Emmerye, and others. She is also accused of allegedly fraudulently receiving money from them. (http://seax.essexcc.gov.uk/result_details.asp?intOffSet=0&intThisRecordsOffSet=0)

Mary Moore allegedly sends her trusted servant William Hall to John Hutton in Sunderland, "one it was suspected that could do more then God allowed of." Hall bear a message bidding Hutton to reveal who had wronged Margaret Muschamp. Moore's message also threatens to have Hutton apprehended if he did not cooperate, on the grounds that Margaret had written the first two letters of his name along with another's. (7)

Mary Moore allegedly travels to meet with John Hutton herself after receiving his reply, accompanied by numerous others including William Hall, Edward Moore, George Armorer and Elizabeth Muschamp. Hutton recognizes them and knows all their names, despite only having met Hall previously. Moore demands to know how he knew what she had confided privately in Hall; Hutton only repeats the message he had sent prior, that Dorothy Swinow is the cause of Margaret Muschamp's bewitchment and her other troubles. When she tells him of George Muschamp Jr.'s illness and her cousin Lady Margery Hambleton's demise, Hutton accuses Swinow of causing those as well. (7-8)

John Hutton, in Mary Moore's custody, alleges to Edward Moore that Dorothy Swinow has "two bad women about her, the Millers and the Websters Wives, who had beene the death of Jo. CUSTERD and his Wife, with many other things of their wickednesse." He refuses to give any more information to either Edward or Mary Moore when they try to question him further. (9-10)

Upon being healed of the inability to speak by the parson M. Smith of Pinner, the servant Richard Burt cries, "Woe worth mother Atkins, woe worth mother Atkins, for she hath bewitched me: whereupon he would not be quiet, but ever requested that he might speak with hir," thereby accusing Mother Atkins. (5)

Mistress Bragge of Mistley, Suffolk, accuses Anne Leech of being "a naughty woman," causing Anne Leech to send an imp to kill two of the Bragge's horses. Leech confesses to this crime, saying that "shee sent a gray Imp to kill two Horses of one Mr. Bragge of Misley, which were killed accordingly." (7)

Doctor Pordage is accused of "entertaining at His House one Everard a reputed Conjurer" and conversing with angels. He is said to have looked "toward the unlawful Art of Black Magick." He is visited by two spirits, four years prior "for about three Weeks and no longer." They appeared in the form of a giant and a dragon. He assures the Commissioners that these visitations of apparitions were not initiated by him, but the work of "the Malice of the Devil toward [him]." (9-10)

Mrs. Wayt, a minister's wife, is falsely accused of being a witch in the Book of the Essex Witches. She is excused in print, "for it is very well knowne that she is a gentlewoman of a very godly and religious life, and a very good conuersations: and this was set on purpose to vindicate her." (8)

Anne Blundy is accused by Anne Griffin, Judith King, Mary F--ham, and an unnamed person (Anonymous 313) of using witchcraft to murder Mary Griffin. Griffin languished for two days and then died. (135-137)

Anne Neale is accused by Walter Nynn of bewitching William Eason, so that he (Eason) languished for seven days and then died. (3-16)

Anne Neale is accused by Thomas Warren of bewitching Walter Warren, so that he (Walter Warren) languished for three months and then died. (3-16)

Upon her deathbed, Mrs. Eleanor Armstrong, the wife of Mr. Wessell Goodwin of London Borough of Southwark, implores her children to take their husband away from music and "especially the frequentation of Mr. Edward Jones; and that not so much out of dislike to him as to his wife, whom shee saw to be a subtil undermining woman, that would be ready to make her own advantage of old Mr. Goodwins weakness." (2-3)

Mr. Knowles pleads with Mr. Pigeon to leave his wife when she insists that Mr. Pigeon is afflicted with the Pox, "to avoyd evill." Mr. Pigeon refuses. (17)

Mr. Goodwin's hildren, allegedly ruined by Mrs. Pigeon and Mrs. Jones, and seeing "that their father is now captivated more than ever to these women" presented a petition to the Justices of the County and Borough of South-wark, which brings Mrs. Pigeon and Mrs. Jones to St. Margarets Hill. (22-23)

Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Pigeon are cast out of their churches, "and all communion with them," because of their scandalous nature. They spend Sabbath "at the Dye house," instead. (23)

Rachel Pindar confesses during her examination before the Reverend Father Matthew L, Archbishop of Canterbury, Sir Rosalind and William Fleetwood that her possession allegedly caused by Joan Thornton during which she took a feather and hair from her mouth, and during which she spoke in "diuers strange and hollowe speeches within her throate," was "untrue and the other feyned, for the which shee is nowe very sorie, and defyreus to aske the sayde Joane Thorneton forgivenesse." (15-17)

William Sommers, now dispossessed, alleges to discover witches in the town of Nottingham. He accuses Doll Freeman, kinswoman of an Alderman of Nottingham, of being a witch. (Image 6)

William Sommers is brought to London, where he continues to allege that his first possession was a fake, and accuses John Darrell of hiring him to do it. He says that he has known Darrell for four years, and that Darrell first hired him to counterfeit possession in Ashbie Park. Sommers alleges that Darrell instructed him on how to act during his dispossession. Darrell denies these accusations, but Sommers has become a man of great credit and is believed over Darrell. During his time in London, Sommers is kept first in the custody of a barber of East Smithfield, and then in the home of the Bishop of London. (Image 7)

John Darrell is held prisoner for a week in London, then convented at Lambeth, for allegedly having William Sommers counterfeit possession. He is held on the strength of there being many known counterfeited possessions, and for Sommers' own insistence that his possession was not real. There are, however, doubts regarding Sommers' possession, as the depositions against him claim that he had done things that could not be faked. (Image 7-8)

Elizabeth Harvey claims that if she was a witch, that she was made so by Marian Hocket. (30)

Abraham Vandenbemde, Thomas Collet and their confederates offer Joan Simpson money to swear that Anne Levington used witchcraft to take Lady Powel's life, as part of a plot to kill Levington. (3)

Anne Hook, in the employ of Abraham Vandenbemde, Thomas Collet and their confederates, approaches Joan Simpson and successfully persuades her to swear against Anne Levingston by offering Simpson half the six score pounds Hook is being paid to do so herself; Simpson discovers the murder plot against Levingston shortly thereafter and refuses to swear, finding the whole business abominable. (3)

Anne Hook, in the employ of Abraham Vandenbemde, Thomas Collet and their confederates, approaches Joan Peterson and offers her money to swear that Anne Levingston had procured powders and seeds from Peterson to help her in her lawsuits, and to provoke unlawful love; Peterson refuses. (4)

A stranger offers to depose in court that Thomas Southwick, a servant of Thomas Cromton's, has been standing in the sessions yard proclaiming Peterson a witch and offering money to anyone who will swear the same in court; when the Justices on the Bench is call for Southwick, he cannot be found. The Recorder is made to take note of it, and an Order given that Southwick is to be brought before the court. (8)

James Watts is accused by Anne Huggins, John Batty, Margaret Day, Elizabeth Hartridge, Anne Benson, and Anne Staines of bewitching Anne Huggins so that her body was "wasted and consumed." (58-65)

Elizabeth Scott is accused by Samuel Bradshaw, Mary Colman, and Anne Butler of using witchcraft to murder John Colman. Colman languished for a week and then died. (147)

Thomas Whiteing allegedly bewitches Sarah Curtis at Hoo so that her body became "greatly wasted, pined, and consumed." He is accused by Robert Rogers, Joseph Miller, Sarah Curtis, William Burman, John Ellis, Simon Beadell, Bridget Gilbert, Joan Stephens, Thomas Haley, Robert Witherley, Robert Beadle, Dr Faber, Dr Hooker, Dr Robinson, Anne Seares, Faber Armitage, William Tucke, Barbara Cena, and William Verron. (150-157)

Joan Upney alleges that her eldest daughter "would neuer abide to meddle with her Toades," meaning that she refused to participate in witchcraft, but her youngest daughter "would handle them, and vse them as well as her selfe," suggesting that she was a practicing witch. (Sig. Aiiiv, B)

Jane Kent is indicted at the Old Bailey for witchcraft and other diabolical arts, in which she is accused by Mr. Chamblet of allegedly bewitching his swine, wife Mrs. Chamblet, and daughter Elizabeth Chamblet. Mr. Chamblet blames Kent for Elizabeth Chamblet's death. (3-4)

Mr. Chamblet alleges in his deposition that Jane Kent also bewitched Mrs. Chamblet, and that after their daughter Elizabeth Chamblet died, he consulted with Dr. Ha[w]ks in Spittle-Field on the matter; Dr. Hawkes advised Mr. Chamblet to boil a quart of Mrs. Chamblet's urine with parings from her nails and some of her hair. (4)

Mr. Chamblet alleges in his deposition that, as advised by Dr. Ha[w]ks, he boiled a quart of Mrs. Chamblet's urine with parings from her nails and some of her hair in a pipkin; he claims that while doing so, he heard Jane Kent screaming as if being murdered outside his door, and that the next day she was seen to be swollen and bloated. (4)

A coachman (Anonymous 129) gives deposition alleging that his coach was overthrown shortly after he refused to carry Jane Kent and her goods. (4)

Justice John Geose takes testimony from several people regarding John Tonken's fits and the women who appeared to him and orders the arrest and imprisonment of Jane Noal and Betty Seeze on suspicion of witchcraft in connection to this case; they are due to appear at the next assizes. (6)

Elizabeth Burrige gave deposition that, the day after the first incident with the clay and pins, she went milking and saw Joan Buts lurking in the bushes, which frightened her and made her suspicious; she said that she reported the encounter to Mr. Tuers. (2)

Elizabeth Burgiss' mother meet Joan Buts at a fair in Yowell, whom after her daughter's visit she suspects to be a witch and the cause of Elizabeth's afflictions. Burgiss' mother beat and abused Buts until "she fetcht out some of her Hellish Hellish Blood." (5-6)

Dorothy Durent reports in her deposition that her daughter Elizabeth died following her illness, and claims it came to pass two days after Denny predicted Elizabeth's demise. Durent accuses Denny of having bewitched Elizabeth to death, alleging that Denny "hath been long reputed to be a Witch, and a person of very evil behaviour, whose Kindred and Relations have been many of them accused for Witchcraft, and some of them have been Condemned." (11-13)

Samuel Pacy alleges in his deposition that Deborah cried out during her fits that Amy Denny appeared to her as an apparition, and that Denny was responsible for her affliction; Pacy used this to have Denny thrown in the stocks. (20-21)

Edmund Durent gives deposition in court alleging that, after his wife refused to sell Rose Cullender herrings, his daughter Ann Durent became afflicted with pain like the pricking of pins in her stomach, and had swooning fits. In between fits, Ann claimed to have seen Cullender's apparition threaten to torment her. Ann is also said to have vomited pins, which Edward presented in court as evidence. Ann's fits continued until the trial. (33-35)

Diana Bocking gives deposition alleging that her daughter Jane Bocking has suffered fits since February, in which she has stomach pains like the pricking of pins, swoons, can eat little or no food, and daily vomits crooked pins. Diana claims that she has found more pins and a lath-nail clenched in Jane's fists after Jane is seen to catch at the air with her hands. Jane is also said to talk to unseen persons, complain that Rose Cullender and Amy Denny appeared to her, and be stricken dumb. Diana produced the pins and lath-nail as evidence in court. (35-38)

Arthur Bill is accused of bewitching Martha Aspine to death, based on strong suspicions that he was also guilty of having previously bewitched numerous kinds of cattle, and the evil reputation he and his parents have earned. (C2)

Anne Baker is accused during her examination of bewitching Anne Stannidge's daughter to death. Baker alleges that Stannidge brought the child to her, and that she took the girl into her skirt, but did her no harm. Stannidge claimed that she had to burn some hair and nail-parings taken from her daughter in order to get Baker to give the child back; Stannidge said that when she did so, "the said Anne Baker came in and set her downe, and for one houres space could speake nothing." Baker said that she came to Stannidge's home in great pain, but knew nothing of burning hair and nail-parings, and had been so sick at the time that she could not recall why she had gone there in the first place. (D4v-E)

Joan Willimott alleges during her examination that a man named Gamaliel Greete, a shepherd in Waltham, had a white spirit in the shape of a mouse possess him, an invasion enabled by Greete's excessive swearing. While embodying this agent, Greet could also hurt anything he looked at, should he do so with the intent to injure it. Willimot added that he had a mark on his left arm, which had been cut away. Willimott identified her spirit Pretty as the source of her information. (E5v-F)

Joan Willimott alleges during her examination that she saw Joan Flowers take up some earth, spit on it, work it in her fingers and put it in her purse. Willimott claimed Flowers then said that "though shee could not hurt the Lord himselfe, yet shee had sped his Sonne, which is dead," referring to Sir Francis Manners and his son Henry Lord Rosse. (E5v-F)

Phillip Flower alleges during her examination that her mother Joan Flower and sister Margaret Flower "maliced the Earle of Rutland, his Countesse, and their Children, because her Sister Margaret, was put out of the Ladies seruice of Laundry, and exempted from other seruices about the house." Phillip claimed that Margaret stole a glove from Henry Lord Rosse and delivered it to Joan, and that Joan rubbed the glove on her familiar Rutterkin's back, put it in boiling water, pricked it and buried it in the yard while wishing that Lord Henry "might neuer thriue." Phillip added that she often saw Rutterkin sit on Joan's shoulder and suck her neck. (F3)

Phillip Flower alleges during her examination that she often heard her mother Joan Flower "curse the Earle and his Lady, and therevpon would boyle feathers and blood together, vsing many Diuellish speeches and strange gestures." (F3)

Margaret Flower alleges during her examination that four or five years before, her mother Joan Flower sent her to take Henry Lord Rosse's right hand glove. After she did so, her mother asked her to bring her another glove or personal item from Henry Lord Rosse. Margaret asked what they were for, and Joan replied they were to hurt Lord Henry with. Joan stroked her familiar Rutterkin with the glove, dipped it in hot water and pricked it; Margaret claims that Lord Henry fell sick within a week and became tormented. (F3v)

Margaret Flower alleges during her examination that two or three years before, she found one of Francis Lord Rosse's gloves on a dung-hill and delivered it to her mother, Joan Flower. Joan put the glove in hot water, rubbed it on her familiar Rutterkin, and bade Rutterkin to go upwards. Joan then buried the glove in the yard, and said "a mischiefe light on him, but he will mend againe." (F3v)

Margaret Flower alleges during her examination that she, her sister Phillip Flower and their mother Joan Flower all agreed to bewitch Sir Francis Manners and Countess Manners so that they would not have any more children. Margaret claimed it was retribution for Countess Manners turning her out four years before, and for Sir Francis' refusal to take Joan's part in a dispute. To bewitch them, Joan took wool from a mattress that was included in Margaret's severance, and a pair of gloves, and put them both into warm water mixed with blood, stirring it all together. Joan then took the wool and gloves out of the mixture, rubbed them on her familiar Rutterkin's belly, and said "the Lord and the Lady should haue more Children, but it would be long first." (F3v-F4)

Margaret Flower alleges during her examination that she, by her mother Joan's command, stole a handkerchief from Lady Katherine, Sir Francis Manner's daughter. Joan put the handkerchief into hot water, rubbed it on her familiar Rutterkin, and bid him to fly and go. However, "Rutterkin whined and cryed Mew: whereupon shee said, that Rutterkin had no power ouer the Lady Katherine to hurt her." (F3v-F4)

Margaret Flower's second examination gives a slightly different version of Henry Lord Rosse's bewitchment: On this occasion, Margaret alleged that her mother, Jane Flower, commanded her to steal Lord Henry's right-hand glove, and that she found the glove on the rushes in the nursery. When she delivered the glove to her mother, Joan, she put it in hot water, pricked it with her knife, rubbed it on her familiar Rutterkin, and bid him to "height and goe, and doe some hurt to Henry Lord Rosse." Joan then threw the glove onto the fire and burnt it. Margaret notes that Lord Henry fell sick and died shortly after. (G-Gv)

Alison Device gives deposition accusing her grandmother Elizabeth Southerns of begging, persuading and advising her numerous times to allow a Devil or familiar to appear to her. Southerns also wanted her to allow this spirit to suck at some part of her, and claimed that if she did, the spirit would do whatever she wanted. This was two years prior to Device's examination. (C)

Alison Device gives deposition against her grandmother, Elizabeth Southerns, alleging that John Nutter once came to Southerns for help with a sick cow. Southerns agreed to look at the animal, and had Alison lead her to it at about 10 o'clock at night; Southerns stayed there for about half an hour, and Alison's sister Jennet led her home again. The cow was dead the next morning, leading Alison to believe that Southerns bewitched it to death. (C-Cv)

Alison Device gives deposition against Elizabeth Southerns alleging that Southerns had a falling out with Richard Baldwyn two years before, and that Baldwyn would not allow her on his land. Device claims that Southerns had her lead her to Baldwyn's home around 10 o'clock at night four days later, and that Southerns stayed about an hour until Device's younger sister Jennet fetched her home. Device heard the next day that Baldwyn's daughter was sick; the child languished for a year or so and then died. Device accuses Southerns of bewitching the girl to death, as she had heard Southerns curse Baldwyn numerous times. (C-Cv)

Alison Device gives deposition against Elizabeth Southerns alleging that Southerns had a falling out with Richard Baldwyn two years before, and that Baldwyn would not allow her on his land. Device claims that Southerns had her lead her to Baldwyn's home around 10 o'clock at night four days later, and that Southerns stayed about an hour until Device's younger sister Jennet fetched her home. Device heard the next day that Baldwyn's daughter was sick; the child languished for a year or so and then died. Device accuses Southerns of bewitching the girl to death, as she had heard Southerns curse Baldwyn numerous times. (C-Cv)

James Robinson alleges during his examination that, six years before, his wife hired Anne Whittle to card wool. While Whittle worked, she drew drink several times. For the next eight or nine weeks, all the drink in the house was found to be spoiled; Robinson accused Whittle of causing the spoilage. (E2-E2v)

Alison Device alleges during her examination that her father, John Device, was afraid of Anne Whittle, and made a deal to pay her a measure of meal every year if she would not harm his family. This lasted until he died, eleven years before; Alison claims that he said on his deathbed that "Anne Whittle, alias Chattox, did bewitch him to death, because the said meale was not paid the last yeare. " (E4-E4v)

Allison Device alleges during her examination that, six or seven years before, Anne Whittle had a falling out with Hugh Moore when Moore accused her of bewitching his cattle. Whittle is said to have cursed Moore and said she would be revenged of him. He fell sick not long after, languished for about six months, and died. On his deathbed, Moore allegedly said that Whittle had bewitched him to death. (E4-F)

Jennet Device alleges during her examination that her mother, Elizabeth Device, is a witch, and she knows this because she has seen a familiar spirit come to her numerous times at her home of Malking Tower. The spirit takes the shape of a brown dog, and is called Ball. When Ball came, he would ask her mother what she would have him do. (F4v-Gv)

Jennet Device alleges during her examination that her mother, Elizabeth Device, used her familiar Ball to kill John Robinson, and that her mother had been a witch for the last three or four years. Elizabeth also had Ball kill James Robinson, John's brother; James died three weeks later. (F4v-Gv)

Jennet Device alleges during her examination that she once saw her mother, Elizabeth Device, call for her spirit Ball, and ask him to kill Henry Mytton. Ball said he would do it and vanished away; three weeks later, Mytton died. (F4v-Gv)

James Device alleges during his examination that, three years before, he was at his grandmother's house with his mother, Elizabeth Device, when Elizabeth was approached by a "thing in shape of a browne dogge, which his mother called Ball." The spirit spoke to Elizabeth and bid her make a clay image of John Robinson, dry it hard, and crumble it little by little so that Robinson's body would decay and wear away. Ball said that when the image was gone, Robinson would die; he then vanished. The next day, James saw his mother make an image. She crumbled it over about three weeks, and two days after it was gone, Robinson was dead. (G2-G2v)

Jennet Device alleges during her examination that 20 people, only two of which were men, attended the feast at Malking Tower on Good Friday. Her mother, Elizabeth Device, told her they were all witches, and that they were there to give a name to her sister Alison Device's familiar. They feasted on beef, bacon and mutton. Jennet gave the names of six of the attending witches: The wife of Hugh Hargraves, her uncle Christopher Howgate and his wife Elizabeth Howgate, Dick Miles' wife, and Christopher Jacks and his wife. She did not know the names of the rest, but confirmed that her mother and brother, James Device, were also there. (G3v-G4)

James Device alleges during his examination that numerous people dined at his mother's home of Malking Tower at noon on Good Friday, three of which were men. They met to name his sister Alison Device's familiar, which they could not do because Alison was imprisoned at Lancaster Castle. The conversation turned to discussion of freeing Elizabeth Southerns, Alison Device, Anne Whittle and Anne Redferne from their imprisonment. They determined that they would need to kill the gaoler at Lancaster and blow up the castle before the next assizes in order to let them escape. (G4-G4v)

James Device alleges during his examination that the following people were witches and had attended the feast at Malking Tower on Good Friday: Hugh Hargreave's wife, Christopher Bulcock's wife, John Bulcock, Myle's Nutter's mother, Elizabeth Hargreaves, Christopher Howgate, Elizabeth Howgate, Alice Graye, and Kathryn Hewit (alias Mould-heel), Preston's wife, his mother Elizabeth Device, and himself. Device claimed that they all left on horseback after agreeing to meet the next Good Friday at Preston's wife's home. If they needed to meet in the mean time, that meeting would be held at Romley's Moor. (G4v)

Jennet Device alleges during her deposition that her brother, James Device, has been a witch for three years, ever since a familiar in the shape of a black dog appeared to him at their mother, Elizabeth Device's, house. The familiar's name is Dandy. (H3v)

Jennet Device gives deposition alleging that about three years before, her brother James Device called his familiar Dandy to kill both John Hargraves and Blaze Hargraves. (Iv-I2)

James Device alleges during his examination that one of the women at the Malking Tower feast on Good Friday had come to ask assistance from the rest to bewitch Thomas Lister to death. She claimed that Lister had "orne malice vnto her, and had thought to haue put her away at the last Assises at Yorke." She also claimed not to have the power to do the deed herself. (I2v-I3)

Grace Sowerbutts accuses Jennet Bierley of turning into a dog to torment her. Sowerbutts alleges the Bierley knocked her over while in the shape of a dog, but did not hurt her. She claims that after this incident, she told her father about how Bierley had been tormenting her. When asked why she hadn't said anything sooner, Sowerbutts claimed that she had wanted to, but could not. (K4v-L)

Grace Sowerbutts alleges in her deposition that this last April, on her way home from Pelham, Jennet Bierley appeared to her in the shape of a dog with two legs and tried to convince her to drown herself. She was rescued by a spirit in a white sheet, which carried her away. Its present made Bierley vanish. (K4v-L)

Grace Sowerbutts alleges during her examination that, the same night she was rescued by the spirit Anonymous 180, Jennet Bierley reappeared in the shape of a black dog and carried her to Hugh Walshman's barn. Bierley lay her on the barn floor, covered her with straw and hay, and lay on top of her for a long time. She robbed Sowerbutts of her speech and senses, and when Sowerbutts awoke, it was two nights later and she was in Walshman's home. She had been found in the barn and carried to the house by friends. The next night, her father fetched her home. (K4v-Lv)

Grace Sowerbutts, retracting her accusations against Jennet Bierley, Ellen Bierley and Joan Southworth, accuses the priest Master Thompson, alias Master Christopher Southworth, of encouraging her to make the accusations. According to Sowerbutts, she was sent to Thompson to learn her prayers, and while under his tutelage, he "did perswade, counsell, and aduise her, to deale as formerly hath beene said against her said Grand-mother, Aunt, and Southworths wife." (Mv)

Jennet Bierley gives deposition a second time, following Grace Sowerbutts' retraction. Bierly alleges that Sowerbutts was brought to priest Master Thompson, alias Christopher Southworth, by her mother. She accused Thomson of counseling Sowerbutts to make the accusations because Bierley attended a different church. (Nv)

Jane Southworth gives deposition following Grace Sowerbutt's retraction, alleging that a month or six weeks before she was gaoled, she spoke with Master Thompson, alias Christopher Southworth. At that time, she "challenged him for slandering her to bee a Witch: wherunto he answered, that what he had heard thereof, he heard from her mother and her Aunt[.]" Nevertheless, she thought him the origin of the slander, and thought it was because she would not be persuaded to change churches. (Nv-N2)

Ellen Bierley gives deposition following Grace Sowerbutt's retraction. She alleges that she saw Master Thompson, alias Christopher Southworth, six or eight weeks before she was imprisoned. She accused Thompson of prompting Sowerbutts to accuse her of witchcraft, and could think of no reason why he would except that she attends a different church. (Nv-N2)

Margaret Crooke gives deposition against Anne Redferne before Justice of the Peace Roger Nowell, alleging that her brother Robert Nutter had a falling out with Redferne at Whitsontide 18 or 19 years before. He fell sick about a fortnight later, and died around Candlemas. Crooke claims to have heard him say often that "Anne Redferne and her associates had bewitched him to death." (O-Ov)

Margaret Crooke alleges in her deposition that her father, Christopher Nutter, became sick the Maudlintide after her brother Robert Nutter died claiming Anne Redferne had bewitched him. He languished until Michaelmas and then died. Crooke claimed that during his sickness, he " did sundry times say, That hee was bewitched; but named no bodie that should doe the same." (O-Ov)

John Nutter gives deposition alleging that, around Christmas eighteen or nineteen years before, he heard his brother Robert Nutter tell their father Christopher Nutter "Father, I am sure I am bewitched by the Chattox, Anne Chattox, and Anne Redferne her daughter, I pray you cause them to bee layed in Lancaster Castle[.]" Christopher called him foolish, and blamed Robert for his own misfortunes. Robert wept and continued to insist he was bewitched, saying that "I will procure them to bee laid where they shall be glad to bite Lice in two with their teeth." (Ov-O2)

James Device alleges during his examination that, two years before, he saw three clay images half a yard long at the end of the Redferne home. He claims that he saw Thomas Redferne holding one, his daughter Marie Redferne holding another, and his wife Anne Redferne holding the third. Anne Redferne was crumbling hers. Device could not tell whose images they were. Shortly after he walked away, a thing like a hare appeared and spit fire at him. (O2v)

Elizabeth Device alleges during her examination that Alice Nutter and Elizabeth Southerns "ioyned altogether, and bewitched the said Henry Mitton to death." Device also claimed that Nutter knew the two women from Burnley Parish who attended the Good Friday feast at Malking Tower. (O4v)

James Device alleges during his examination that Alice Nutter attended the Good Friday feast at Malking Tower. (P)

Jennet Device, while giving deposition about who attended the feast on Good Friday at Malking Tower, picks Alice Nutter out of the crowd in the courtroom. Device claims that she recognized Nutter as having been at the feast. (Pv-P2)

James Device alleges during his examination that Katherine Hewit attended the Good Friday feast at Malking Tower. He also claimed to have overheard Hewit and Alice Grey confess to killing the child Anne Foulds and to having Michael Hartley's child in hand. (P4)

Elizabeth Device alleges during her examination that Katherine Hewit was among the witches who attended the Good Friday feast at Malking Tower. Device claims to have heard Hewit and Alice Grey confess to having killed the child Anne Foulds, and to having got ahold of another child. (P4-P4v)

Elisabeth Device alleges during her examination that, during the Good Friday feast at Malking Tower, she heard Katherine Hewit give her consent for the murder of Master Lister. (P4-P4v)

Jennet Device alleges during her examination that Katherine Hewit attended the Good Friday feast at Malking Tower. When asked to find her and point her out at the trial, Device took Hewit by the hand. Device accused Hewit of witchcraft, described where she sat at the feast, who sat next to her, and reported on the conversation. (Q)

James Device gives deposition that, at the Good Friday feast at Malking Tower, he heard John Bulcock and Jane Bulcock confess to bewitching Jennet Deane, and give their consent to bewitching Master Thomas Lister and Leonard Lister to death. (Q3v-Q4v)

Elizabeth Device alleges during her examination that she heard Katherine Hewit and John Bulcock give their consent to assist Jennet Preston in murdering Master Lister at the Good Friday feast at Malking Tower. (Q4v)

Jennet Device points out Jane Bulcock and John Bulcock in court and alleges that they attended the Good Friday feast at Malking Tower. She details where Jane sat and who sat next to her. Device claims that John turned the spit for the feast. She also reports on their conversations. (R)

Alison Device alleges in her confession that two years before, her grandmother Elizabeth Southerns persuaded her to allow a familiar to appear to her. Southerns advised her to allow it to suck on some part of her so that she might command it to do her bidding. Not long after, a thing like a black dog appeared to her and asked her to give it her soul. She agreed, and allowed the familiar to suck at her breasts below her nipples. The spot was blue for six months after. (R3v)

Peter Chaddock gives deposition on July 12, 1612 before Justice of the Peace Sir Thomas Gerrard. In his deposition, he alleges that Isabel Robey was displeased with his choice of wife prior to his marriage, that he called her a witch, and that he told her did not care for her. Two days later, he was struck by a pain in his bones. He claims Thomas Lyon was also afflicted when he joined Chaddock on a trip, but both soon mended. (T3)

Peter Chaddock alleged during his examination that on Lady Day in Lent the year before, he became "sore pained with great warch in his bones, and all his limmes, and so yet continueth." He claims that Isabel Robey is directly responsible for his pains. (T3-T3v)

Anne Robinson gives deposition alleging that Master Thomas Lister was often heard to cry out "Iennet Preston was in the house, looke where shee is, take hold of her: for Gods sake shut the doores, and take her, shee cannot escape away. Looke about for her, and lay hold on her, for shee is in the house[.]" On his deathbed, she claims to have heard him say "Iennet Preston lyes heauie vpon me, Prestons wife lyes heauie vpon me; helpe me, helpe me." (Y2v)

James Device alleges during his examination that some time after the feast at Malking Tower, he went to see Jennet Preston with Henry Hargreives to see if she was the same woman who had come seeking help to kill Thomas Lister. They proved to be one and the same. (Y3v-Y4)

Jennet Preston's husband becomes aware of the charges against his wife while attending the witch trails at Lancaster Assizes. Edward Bromley, Justice of the Assize, became suspicious of Device's accusations and commanded her to point out who among the prisoners were the witches named as present at the Malking Tower feast. Device did so, and then told Bromley that there was a woman from Craven who had attended but was not among the prisoners. Upon hearing this, Preston's husband "cried out and went away: being fully satisfied his wife had Iustice, and was worthie of death." (Z2v-Z3)

Anonymous 89 alleges that he was visited by Mary Sutton in his chamber at night, where she alternately sat knitting by moonlight and staring at him. He claims that after a while, she came to his bedside and told him "if hee would consent she should come to bedde to him, hee should be restored to his former health and prosperitie." He is repulsed by her advances and instead chastises her for the way she lives, her behaviour and her three bastards. Realizing her efforts are futile, she leaves the same way she came. Anonymous 89 reports this visitation to Master Enger. (B3v-B4v)

William Hall, servant to Mary Moore, receives a reply from John Hutton. Hutton allegedly tell him "your Mrs. knowes as well who hath wrong'd he[r] child as I: for the party that with a troubled minde your Mrs. had concealed all this time, and at Newcastle in her chamber all alone told you is she that hath done her all this wrong." Hutton then adds that it was Dorothy Swinow who bewitched Margaret Muschamp and caused all of Moore's other troubles. (7)

Mary Muschamp allegedly falls into a rapture in which she claims that her angels have bid her to speak out. Echoing John Hutton, she accuses Dorothy Swinow of causing the death of her aunt the Lady Margery Hambleton, consuming her brother George Muschamp Jr. and her own torments. Muschamp also accuses Swinow of causing James Fauset, whose sister had married Hambeton's son, to suffer unnatural fits in an attempt to kill him so that his sister would inherit instead. She claims Swinow stopped tormenting Fauset when Swinow turned her attention to Muschamp and her family. (9)

George Lee's ship is allegedly nearly thrown off course by a "fearfull tempest" when entering Barwick Harbour; he is journeying to to Spital to see Margaret Muschamp in her raptures. John Hutton is blamed for raising the storm. (9)

Margaret Muschamp allegedly has a fit soon after John Hutton is allowed to leave the Moore household; she is said to have been free of them for the entire duration of Hutton's stay. In this fit, she echos Hutton's claims once more, saying "DOROTHT SVVINOVV with two Witches more were come to torment her worse then ever HUTTON did, and the one was a yong woman, and the other an old: So that till they had Justice of DOROTHY SVVINOVV, her mother and they should never be at peace." (10)

Mary Moore, hearing Margaret Muschamp's renewed accusations against Dorothy Swinow and her claim that John Hutton, too, has been tormenting her, travels to Nuham and gives information against both Swinow and Hutton to Judge Foster. Foster, after some delay, has Hutton apprehended and sent to Newcastle Gaol. He refuses to have Swinow apprehended. (10)

Margaret Muschamp, in the company of her mother, stepbrothers and stepsister, allegedly encounters Dorothy Swinow on the way to church in Berwick. Muschamp identifies Swinow, despite never having met or seen her prior; though Swinow is in custody for bewitching Muschamp, she has been permitted the freedom of the town. Muschamp insists on returning home and immediately falls into a severe fit lasting two hours in which she claims to be tormented by Swinow and two others. (12-13)

Anne Arthur claims that the apparition (anonymous 25) frightened her, so she began running to reach her home. The apparition caught up with her, however, and asked her where she was going. Explaining that she was poor and had to work for a living she told him she was going home to Deptford after selling her things in the city. The apparition then allegedly offered her a bag of silver. Still frightened the woman refused and so he offered her a bag of gold which made Arthur scream until people (anonymous 438) came to find her and bring her home. She has since been distracted and disorderly. (1-2)

Margaret Muschamp, the day after the Judge refuses to extradite Dorothy Swinow and the Counsellor refuses to take the case, allegedly has a tormenting fit that concluded with her angels appearing to her. She complains to them that there is "no Justice abroad, no Peace at home, what should become of her mother? for that Godlesse thiefe DOROTHY SVVINOVV, by the instigation of the Divell, had hardned the heart of both Judges and Justices against her." Margaret also claims that Edward Moore's heart has been hardened against Mary Moore, and that her eldest sister, Betty Muschamp, will soon begin to consume too. Margaret says that she will go again that night or the next day to again beg for justice, and that if it were denied, her brother George Muschamp Jr.'s illness would get worse. Dr. Genison and Mrs. Clether are among the audience during this fit. (13-15)

Mary Moore begs for Dorothy Swinow to be extradited to Northumberland for trial a second time before a judge (Anonymous 237) and is refused once more. Margaret Muschamp allegedly falls into a fit in which she details the torments Swinow has visited upon her family and her hand in Lady Hambleton's death, concluding with a plea for justice lest their torments be increased. The judge declares Margaret's fit to be feigned. The onlookers are convinced, however, seeing "onely an innocent bashfull Girle, without any confidence at all when she was out of her fits." (15-16)

Margaret White alleges in her confession that she, her sister Jane Martin and Dorothy Swinow shared a meal with the Devil at Martin's home, at which they all made merry. (24-25)

Margaret White alleges in her confession that she and Jane Martin "ere the death of Thomas Yong of Chatton (by reason) a kill full of Oates watched against her sisters minde." (24-25)

Margaret White alleges in her confession that Jane Martin had been troubling Richard Stanley of Chatton, and that she had bewitched him to cause his sore leg. (24-25)

After scratching Johane Harrison, the yeoman (anonymous 121) recovers but is swiftly apprehended by A.Harrison who accuses him of committing battery against her mother. The yeoman is forced to pay restitution to Johane Harrison. Immediately after paying her, he becomes ill again. ()

After scratching Johane Harrison, the yeoman (anonymous 121) recovers but is swiftly apprehended by A.Harrison who accuses him of committing battery against her mother. The yeoman is forced to pay restitution to Johane Harrison. Immediately after paying her, he becomes ill again. ()

Elizabeth Harris, is asked during her examination how many witches are in town. She claims that Goodwife Dadson, Joan Caridan (alias Argoll), Goodwife Cox and Goodwife Gardner all have bad or ill tongues, and that Goodwife Pantery had numerous meetings with Joan Williford and Jane Hott. Furthermore she claimed that, Joan Williford told her that her familiar Bunne had told her that "though the Boate, (she not knowing what Boat,) went chearfully out, it should not come so chearfully home." (5-6)

Mary Hill allegedly has another day of violent fits following the first, in which she again sees an apparition of Anonymous 8. This time, she recognizes the old woman, and accuses her of being "the Person that had bewitcht her." (1-2)

A month after Jane Throckmorton begins to have fits, she is joined in them by her sisters Elizabeth and Mary. All three begin to cry out against Mother Alice Samuel, "take her away, looke where shee standeth here before us in a blacke thrumbd Cap, (which kind of Cap indeed shee did usually weare, but shee was not then present) it is shee (saide they) that hath bewitched us, and shee will kill us if you doe not take her away." Robert and Mistress Throckmorton begin to suspect that their children are indeed bewitched. (5-6)

Grace Throckmorton, the youngest of the Throckmorton girls, begins to have fits a few weeks after Elizabeth and Mary. She, too, cries out against Mother Alice Samuel while in the throes of her affliction. (5-6)

Joan Throckmorton, the eldest daughter, is afflicted with fits soon after Grace, and proves to be "worse handled indeede than any of the other Sisters were, for shee hauing more strength than they, and striuing more with the Spirite than the rest." She is allegedly made to sneeze, screech, groan, heave her belly, and bounce violently until onlookers feared injury to herself and damage to the furniture. She joins her sisters in crying out against Mother Alice Samuel. (6)

Gilbert Pickering joins Mistress Andley, Master Whittle and the rest of the company already at Mother Alice Samuel's home to persuade her to come with them back to the Throckmorton home. She refuses loudly and must be forced. Agnes Samuel and Cicely Burder are also forced to come, as the company suspects them of witchcraft as well. Though Agnes and Mother Samuel are kept separated, Mother Samuel makes an opportunity to tell Agnes to confess to nothing on the way to the house, and is overheard by Pickering. When confronted about it, she claims to have been instructing her daughter to go home to get her father his dinner. (7-8)

Lady Cromwell and her daughter-in-law, Mistress Cromwell, visit the Throckmorton home to visit the children and offer comfort to Robert and Mistress Throckmorton. While there, Lady Cromwell sends for Mother Alice Samuel, who dares not refuse because her family is tenant to Sir Henry Cromwell. Lady Cromwell charges Mother Samuel with witchcraft and speaks harshly to her, saying that the spirits possessing the children have identified her as sending them. Jane Throckmorton overhears the conversation while in the throes of a fit, and accuses Mother Samuel of being the cause of it. Mother Samuel denies Lady Cromwell and Jane's allegations. (30-32)

Henry Pickering, scholar and uncle to the Throckmorton children, comes to visit. He, with two other scholars of his acquaintance, take advantage of the visit follow Mother Samuel about her errands without the knowledge of the Throckmorton family. They watch her exchange a wooden tankard for some barme and talk to one of the neighbours, then stop her in the street and begin questioning her. She is loud, abrupt and will not accept their rebuke for her to "keep the womans vertue, & be more silent." She uses the opportunity to complain of Robert Throckmorton's misuse of her, to accuse the children of wantonness for their fits and criticize Throckmorton for not punishing bad behaviour. (32-33)

Henry Pickering demands Mother Alice Samuel tell him of her service to God and tries unsuccessfully to get her to say that by saying "her God would deliver her, her God would defend her, and revenge her of her enemie, alway using the phrase of my God wil doo this & that for me" she meant a God other than the one of the Church. After this, she insisted she needed to go, for "her husband would beat her for her long tarrying." Pickering lets her leave, but insists she confess or repent, and threatens that if she did not, "he himselfe would bring fire & wood, & the children should blowe the coales." As she leaves, she tells him in turn that "I had rather...see you dowsed over head and eares in this pond." (32-33)

The chicken spirit (Anonymous 222) accuses Mother Alice Samuel of causing the fits of the Throckmorton children and the household servants. it also alleged that if they were carried to Mother Samuel's home, or if Mother Samuel was brought to them, their fits would end. This proves true, though the fits resume the moment Mother Samuel is away from them. When this starts, Robert Throckmorton decides it is best to disperse his children, keeping one or two at home and sending the rest to stay with friends of the family. (34-35)

Around Hollantide (Halloween), the spirit Anonymous 222 would allegedly talk to the children frequently at the end of their fits. It predicted the manner, number and time of their fits and reported on Mother Alice Samuel's doings. The children would often have fits first thing in the morning, during meals, on Sundays and whenever the church bells rang. The girls also claim that Anonymous 222 cannot kill them, and begin to "accuse Mo. Samuel, openly to her face, & say y they shal not be wel in any place, excpe they continue in her house, or shee be brought to continue wyth them." This lasts about a month. (38-40)

The Throckmorton children claim to see a thing sitting with them and demand whether Mother Alice Samuel can see it to, telling her that it is marvellous that she cannot since she sent it. The tell their father that Mother Samuel is only pretending not to see it. (42-44)

Robert Throckmorton confronts Mother Alice Samuel, conveying his childrens' accusation that she keeps several spirits in her service, commands them and feeds them with her blood. He demands that she confess, but she "most vehemently denied it, with many bitter words and curses upon her selfe, desiring the Lord, to shew some present token from heaven upon her." (43-44)

The mother of Mary Glover, a fourteen year old girl from London suffering fits brought on after being threatened by the old woman, Elizabeth Jackson, hears rumours of Elizabeth Jackson's continued threats against her daughter. She goes to confront Elizabeth Jackson, who denied everything, "yet could not forbeare but speake these wordes to her face; You have not crosses ynow, but I hope you shall have as many crosses, as ever fell upon woman and Children." (Fol. 5r)

The Throckmorton children go three or four days without fits once Agnes Samuel is brought to the house. At the end of that time, "the children fell all of them a fresh into their fits againe, and were as greeuously afflicted as ever they were in the olde womans time, and then the spirits did begin, as plainly to accuse the daughter as ever they did the mother, and do tell the children that the old woman hath set over her spirits to her daughter, and that she hath bewitched them al over againe, and that she will deale worse with them then ever her mother did." (63-64)

Joan Throckmorton calls for Agnes Samuel and asks where she was at, saying Agnes "had but too much libertie, and that she must be more straightly looked unto, for of late (said she) she was in y kitchin chamber talking with her spirits." She then tells Agnes that she believes she and her sisters will be no better until Agnes and her mother, Alice Samuel, have been hanged, for her spirits have told her so. Agnes admitted to having been in the kitchen, but denied talking to spirits or knowing anything about them despite Joan's insistence that she stop denying it. (65-66)

Joan Throckmorton allegedly recieves another visit from the spirit Smack, in which he claims to have been fighting with Pluck and Catch alongside one of the other Smacks, and to have "beaten them both very much, so that they dare not come to her any more." Smack then advises her to wait a while longer before scratching Agnes Samuel, so that she does not have time to heal before the Assizes. He also accuses Agnes of "cosenting to the death of the Lady Crumwel." Smack tells her that, "to proue this to be true, whensoever any stranger shall come into the house, you shall fall into your fitte, and if then Agnes Samuell shall come unto you and say, As I am a Witch, and consenting to the death of Ladie Crumwell, so I charge thee to depart and to let her come foorth of her fit, you shall presently well." He also promises that she will have numerous fits on the Assizes day, but that Agnes Samuel will be made to pay. (73-74)

Elizabeth Throckmorton has numerous grievously tormenting fits for a week, culminating in a fit at dinner on the 10th of March in which she hums and seems to be trying to speak to something despite her mouth being shut up. Agnes Samuel is bid to hold her while she is in the fit, and Elizabeth quiets. Grace then goes into a fit, and Agnes holds her for a while, upon which Elizabeth becomes angry with her and says "now I can see the yong Witch which I could neuer do before since she came to the house in my fit." She then claims that her "sister Ioanes diuel told me euen now as I sate at supper, that I must scratch the yong Witch" and scratches Agnes viciously, despite that Agnes still holds Grace in her arms. Elizabeth then falls to weeping, accuses her of not praying in her heart, and demands she confess to her wickedness. (80-83)

Elizabeth Throckmorton demands that Agnes Samuel confess to having bewitched her and her sisters, and causing their torments. She claims that "if thou wouldest even now confesse it, we shall be presently well, defie now therefore the devill, and confesse it, that God may forgive thee, and that they soule may be saved. If thou wouldest thinke (sayd she) of the torments of hell, and that thy soule must burned in hell fire, except thou doest confesse and repent, then thou wouldest not now stand so stifly in the deniall of it as thou doest: but thou art a wicked childe, and thou hast beene a Witch this foure or five yeares & more, thou hast done more hurt the to me and my sisters, for tho hast killed my Ladie Crumwell and moe. The devill that standeth here telleth me so, and thou woulde it have killed my sister Joane in this her sick weeke, but God will not let thee, what a wicked hart hast thou that nothing will content thee but our death." Elizabeth also accuses Agnes' father, John Samuel, and wishes he were there to be scratched. (84)

Robert Throckmorton demands John Samuel explain why he has come to his house, and Samuel claims someone told him his daughter Agnes Samuel was sick. Samuel finally says, after being pressed by both Throckmorton and Dr. Dorington, that it was his brother's daughter who told him. Elizabeth Throckmorton cries out that "he was a naughtie man, and a witch, and but for him & his daughter, his wives soule might have beene saved, and therefore hee must answere for it before God one day." Samuel is rude and loud in response, accusing Elizabeth of lying. He refuses to calm down until forced to stop yelling. Elizabeth then "exhorted the father and the daughter for the space of an houre and an halfe," and Robert explained how Agnes could command the spirits tormenting his daughters to depart. John Samuel refuses to say Agnes' words to command the spirits and rebukes Throckmorton for demanding it. (84-86)

Joan Throckmorton asks Smack whether John Samuel is a witch, and Smack allegedly replies "he was a Witch & would be a worse then eyther this young witch is, or the olde witch her mother was, when they two are hanged, for then all the spirites will come to him, and he will doe more hurt then any have yet done, for saith the spirite, he hath alreadie bewitched a man and a woman." Joan then asks who it was John had bewitched, and Smack refuses to say anything until Agnes Samuel has left the room. Agnes is taken out and watched to make sure she cannon eavesdrop. Smack then says it is John Samuel's neighbors Chappel and Mistress Chappel. Chappel is known to have fits, and Mistress Chappel to be unable to stir. (94-95)

Smack allegedly says, through Joan Throckmorton, that Chappel should beat John Samuel to end his bewitchment. The spirit claims Samuel once asked him to break Chappel's neck in a fall; Smack "caused on the suddaine both his Pattins to be broken, and if he had fallen on the stones as he fell in the myre, he had beene maymed." Joan claims this information is new to her. When asked, Chappel "confessed that he had once such a fall, as he met with old Samuell in the streetes, and both his Pattins were broken at one instant, and because he would not fall upn the causie (for it was but narrow) into the myre, wherin he was marveilously foyled, and if an other neighbor had not beene with him, he had beene in greater danger." (94-95)

After Jane Throckmorton scratches Agnes Samuel, Dr. Dorington "began to instructe the maide, and to exhort her with many good speaches, saying that God would surely not suffer her to be thus cryed out upon by these wicked spirites, and afflicted in this sorte by these innocent children contrary to their willes, if shee were not consenting, or at the least concealing, and of some knowledge of these wicked practices." Agnes denies this and "desired God to shew some present token upon her, that they all might know that shee was giltie of thse matters: Presently after these words, her nose began to bleede, and she bled verie much, which thing whether it were a signe of Gods sending at that time, in token of her giltinesse or not, that he knoweth onely." (101-102)

Robert Throckmorton, Dr. Dorington, Gilbert Pickering, Master Throckmorton, John Pickering, Henry Pickering and Thomas Nutt give Indictments to the Inquest at the Huntingdon Assizes accusing Mother Alice Samuel, Agnes Samuel and John Samuel of bewitching Lady Cromwell to death and bewitching the Throckmorton children. (107-108)

Vicar Robert Poulter gives deposition on behalf of one of his parishoners, John Langley, who is too sick to come to court himself. According to Poulter, Mother Samuel overheard Langley give an order forbidding her any meat, and that afternoon, Langley's horse died under him on the way from Huntingdon to Brampton. Langley also allegedly escaped death two or three times within the next few days, lost "as many good and sound Cattell to all mennes iudgements, as were worth twentie markes" and began to suffer extraordinarily himself. The next day, the court is informed that John Langley had just died. (110-111)

Master Robert Throckmorton of Brampton gives deposition accusing Mother Alice Samuel of bewitching various of his livestock to death; he claims the animals died after he he had "dealt verie roughly in speeches with the saide mother Samuell." This included two yearling calves, a hog, a nursing sow and a cow. He added that he was advised, once his animals started dying, to burn the bodies, so he had the cow buried in a hole with faggots and set on fire, and after that the deaths ceased. Mother Samuel is said to have confessed to bewitching these animals the night before her execution. (110-111)

The Jailor of Huntingdon gives deposition against Mother Alice Samuel alleging that one of his servants, Anonymous 445, became sick with tormenting fits after he chained her to her bedpost for unruly behavior. While in his fits, Anonymous 445 is said to have displayed the strength of two men and to have cried out against Mother Samuel. He died of this affliction about five or six days later. (111)

The Jailor of Huntingdon give deposition against Mother Alice Samuel alleging that she bewitched his son, Anonymous 446. He claims his son became sick with the same tormenting fits that his servant, Anonymous 445, was afflicted with, and did not mend until he brought the boy to Mother Samuel's cell to scratch her. (111)

Mother Alice Samuel accuses John Samuel of being "privie to the death of the Lady Cromwell" and alleges that he "could both bewitch & unwitch." She refused to accuse her daughter Agnes, but rather tried to clear her. (112-113)

Anonymous 12 is asked if she can bewitch Anonymous 11 on the day of her execution. She answers that she cannot because it has been four days since the girl swallowed the bewitched sorrel leaf, and even if she could, two other witches had also bewitched the girl. (5-7)

In the two weeks following Dr. John Lambe's trial at the Worcester Assizes, "the High Sheriffe, the Foreman of the Iury, and diuers others of the Iustices, Gentlemen there present, and of the same Iury, to the number of forty dyed." The County of Worcester petitions the crown to have Lambe removed from their custody, and he is transferred to the King's Bench at London, where he lives "in great plenty of money, and much resorted vnto by people of seuerall conditions." (12)

Mabel Swinnington is examined at the Court of King's Bench and gives deposition against Dr. John Lambe. She alleges that, on the Friday of Whitson week, Elizabeth Seager came to her "in a pitifull manner wringing her hands like a woman ouer-whelmed with extreame griefe, crying out and saying, I am vndone, I am vndone." Elizabeth tells her "that villaine Doctor Lambe had vndone her childe," Joan Seager. (16-18)

Mabel Swinton questions Joan Seager and finds her "much abashed and ashamed." Joan finally tells her that, on Whitson Eve, Dr. John Lambe needed someone to bring him a basket of herbs, but his women were busy elsewhere, so she brought it to him at the King's Bench. When she arrived, Lambe sent away his serving-man and locked the door, then led her into his closet and locked that door as well. He put her on a joint stool and stuck his tongue in her mouth. Though she "striued with him as much as she could, but hee would not let her alone, but stroue with her." (16-18)

Mabel Swinnington reports that she went to see Dr. John Lambe the next day at Elizabeth Seager's request. She confronted him, declaring that "you haue vndone an honest mans child, for well shee may recouer her health of body againe, but neuer her credit, for it will bee a staine to her reputation whil'st shee liues." He would not admit to the deed, but demanded to see Joan and examine her. Mabel replied "she hath bin too late with you already, she will come no more here" and told him she not only knew he had sent his maid to dress Joan, but that the dish holding the venomous substance had been left behind. (18-21)

John Darrell alleges that William Sommer's claims that Darrell taught him to counterfeit possession and that they met for four years prior to November 1597 are ridiculous. Darrell maintains that he never met Sommers before November 1597, and that he did not even know that Sommers was possessed until numerous persons, including the the Mayor of Nottingham, sent him letters inviting him to come dispossess Sommers. Darrell also maintains that, if Sommers did come to Ashbie, they were never there at the same time. He concludes that Sommers is lying about their prior association. (22-27)

John Darrell is tried on charges of teaching William Sommers and the others demoniacs he claimed to have dispossessed to counterfeit possession. The anonymous publisher of the text claims to be doing so in his defense, as he is imprisoned and thus unable to defend himself. (Title Page, 12)

Katherine Wright gives deposition against John Darrell, alleging that she counterfieted her possession, and that Darrell instructed her to speak in a strange voice during her fits. He also told her that when she was asked the name of the spirit possessing her, she was to answer "Middlecub." (17-21)

John Darrell faces allegations of lying on Katherine Wright's belly while she is in a fit. He was allegedly found in this state by a minister named Beckingham, who "plucked him of by the heeles, & thrust him out of the Chamber." He claims that he was trying to restrain her in her fit, and lay by her side, not on her belly, and that Beckingham was not present, but many women were there to witness, including his wife. (19-20)

Thomas Darling confesses to counterfeiting his possession at John Darrell's instruction, though Darrell's defense alleges that he did so under threats of whipping, torture with a hot iron and hanging, and that the boy has been kept from making these charges in person because it is feared that he will deny his confession. (21-24)

Mary Cooper confesses to counterfeiting possession. She accuses John Darrell of telling her that she was not pregnant, as she believed, but possessed and that when she laughed and smiled, her laughter was actually the Devil's. (24-28)

William Sommers gives deposition alleging that John Darrell taught him to counterfeit possession. Darrell's defense claims that this cannot be true, because there are witnesses who saw him be flung about, heard noises come from his belly, heard him speak with his mouth shut, saw him swell enough to break a new leather girdle, saw strange lumps moving under his skin, and more. (28-33)

John Darrell's defense counters the allegations that William Sommers sometimes displayed ordinary strength, that when he was cast toward a fire he was taken away too quickly to burn, and that Sommers had black lead put in his mouth to make him foam. They claim that Sommers only had supernatural strength when in a fit, that Sommers did lay in the fire long enough to burn but without suffering harm and that black lead cannot make one foam at the mouth. (36-38)

In response to William Sommer's accusation that John Darrell taught him to fake his possession, Darrell's defense responds that "Sommers is an vnlawful witnes, beeing manifestlie guiltie of periurie (having by oath both denied and affirmed counterfeiting) as also of blasphemy" and that he was witnessed to be possessed for at least a full month before Darrell arrived in Nottingham. (38)

William Sommers alleges in his deposition that "long before Dorrell came to Nottingham, they mett at Ashby de la Zouche, where Dorrell then dwelled, and (vpo[n] agreement) they mett at Ashby parke 4. yeares together." He adds that he waited to fake his possession until John Darrell judged he had learned it well enough. When Darrell came to Nottingham, he instructed Sommers on how to act during the dispossession. Darrell claims that Sommers was only a child at the time when they allegedly first met, too young to be traveling for secret instruction. He adds that he was far from Sommers during his fits. (38-41)

In support of William Sommer's accusations against John Darrell, Darrell allegedly bough Sommers out of his apprenticeship, and they often retired to Darrell's chamber to talk; this is perceived by the court as the opportunity for Darrel to have instructed Sommers to counterfeit possession. Furthermore, Sommers had also demonstrated how he had faked various of his fits. (41-49)

John Darrell alleges that William Sommers was originally thought to be bewitched, but that this was disproved, and thought to be a witch himself after he was dispossessed. He claims that Sommers accused Doll Freeman of witchcraft out of malice. (53)

John Darrell is accused of sending William Sommers to witness Thomas Darling's fits in order to improve his own counterfeiting. Darrell counters that, while Sommers is said to have "avouched as much to Darlings face in the hearing of many," he could not answer Darling's questions about what his uncle's home looked like, or give details about the town. (55)

John Darrell alleges that his suspension from his Ministry following William Sommers' confession of counterfeiting impoverished him, and caused great hardship for his wife and five children. He also complains that, since his imprisonment for heresy, he has not been permitted to go to church as the other prisoners are. (58-62)

A witness, Mr. Lewis Hughes, comes forth at Elizabeth Jackson's trial, a woman accused of bewitching the fourteen year old girl Mary Glover, in order to provide evidence against Elizabeth Jackson. Hughes is a preacher, who admitted he was "willing to admonish the said Elizabeth Jackson of her lewde tongue," and so went to visit the old woman at her house. As soon as he entered her abode, she "very intentively fixt her eyes upon him," facing him. As the Preacher prepared to speak with her, he "had suddenly his speech taken from him, his necke became stiffe, and his Chin borne inwards into his bosome, his knees (withall) yeelding under him, as though he should fall." Calling upon God, the Preacher finds the strength to prevail, and is able to depart from Elizabeth Jackson's house. However, he is not able to speak for two hours afterward. (Fol. 33v - Fol. 34r)

A witness, M. Lewis Hughes, comes forth at Elizabeth Jackson's trial, a woman accused of bewitching the fourteen year old girl Mary Glover, in order to provide evidence against Elizabeth Jackson. This is the second piece of evidence this witness provides. Hughes is a preacher, who went to speak with Elizabeth Jackson while she was in prison, but he could "by no meanes cause her, to rehearse the beliefe," of God and Jesus Christ. Further, she refused of her own accord to say, "Deliver us from evill." (Fol. 34r)

Elizabeth Burges comes forward as a witness at the trial of Elizabeth Jackson, a woman accused of bewitching the fourteen year old Mary Glover. Elizabeth Burges admits to having seen Elizabeth Jackson threaten Mary Glover, but also tells how she "had ben therefore threatned by her," so that one day while eating prunes, the old woman visits her and Elizabeth Burges is "not able to swallow one downe, but also fell on vomiting." This continues for some three weeks after being visited by Elizabeth Jackson, "upon all sustenance of meat receaved." At another visit of Elizabeth Jackson while Elizabeth Burges was vomiting, Elizabeth Jackson allegedly wishes "that she might cast up her heart, gutts and all," adding "Thou shortly, shalt have in thee an evill spirit too." The following night, Elizabeth Burges is visited by a vision in the shape of a fox; the night after that a vision in the shape of "an ougly black man, with a bounch of keyes in his hand, intysing her to go with him, and those keyes would bring her to gould enough"; and a final third night, Elizabeth Burges is visited by the vision in "the likenes of a mouse." However, by "faithfull praier," aided by her Master and Mistress, Elizabeth Burges was delivered from these visions. While recounting this tale at the trial, Elizabeth Jackson interrupts Elizabeth Burges, saying "thow wilt be sicke, and cast againe anon," causing Elizabeth Burges to lose her power of speech. She was led into a chamber after, where she fell ill as Elizabeth Jackson had predicted, "and after that, was led home weake, faynte and Casting, benummed in all her body, hardly able to stand, and never yet to this day recovered her perfect libertie againe." (Fol. 34r - Fol. 35r)

Evidence is brought forth at the trial of Elizabeth Jackson, an old woman accused of bewitching the fourteen year old girl Mary Glover, that Elizabeth Jackson's "cursing, long before this time, had ben observed to have a mischevous consequent." Once, while washing clothes for one of Lady Bond's men (Anonymous 455), Elizabeth Jackson came to collect her earnings. However, he was out of town, at which time Elizabeth Jackson said, "is he gone? I pray god he may breake his necke, or his legge, before he com againe." The man (Anonymous 455) breaks his leg during his journey, accordingly. (Fol. 35r - Fol. 35v)

Testimony is given at the trial of Elizabeth Jackson, an old woman accused of bewitching the fourteen year old girl Mary Glover, that once in a "dead senseles fitt," brought on by the presence of Elizabeth Jackson, Mary Glover is so heavy , that "two could scarsly lift up her head," but "upon a suddaine," Mary Glover was found to be "more light then a naturall body." This was proved when a "godly honest gentleman" (Anonymous 456) lifted her from the bed with ease and then "turning himselfe about, with her, lying upon his armes, made a shew of her," affirming to all that she was "as a curten throwen overthwart his armes." He lay Mary Glover down upon the bed again, and shortly after, the girl was found to be incredibly heavy again. These symptoms are in line with possession or bewitchment, and not of natural causes. (Fol. 35v - Fol. 36r)

Anne Naylor suffers tormenting fits and trances while possessed by Anonymous 233. It causes her mouth to contort, her joints to contract and her shoulder blades to knock against one another so that they rattle. She is often heard to say that "mother Kerke had bewitched her." (101-103)

Upon losing his Bible, Thomas Stretton visits one of his neighbors (Anonymous 487), who was "a Cunning man, Wizard, or Fortune-teller" in order to help find it. Thomas Stretton however, accuses the man of being "a Witch or a Devil, seeing as he could neither write nor read." These words cause anger for the cunning-man, who vows to get revenge. (1 - 3)

Anne Greene and Mary Nunweeke allegedly appear in the form of dogs to Margaret Wade while she is in bed. (64)

Joan Robinson is accused of bewitching animals and men. (100)

Joan Cunny confesses to sending her familiars to hurt Master Kitchin, the town Minister, but they were not able to because of his strong religious faith. (2)

Mother Agnes Waterhouse alleges in her confession that, after she received the familiar Sathan from Elizabeth Francis, she decided to try him out by asking him to kill one of her hogs. When he did, she gave him a chicken and a drop of her blood as payment. (13-14)

Elizabeth Bennet is accused of bewitching William and Joan Byet and three of his livestock, all of which died. She also confesses to bewitching William Willes' wife and William Willinga[...]e. (102)

Alice Manfielde is accused of sending her imp Robin to plague Cheston's bull, make it pine, and die. This was seen as an act of retribution; Cheston's wife allegedly chides Manfielde and speaks many evil words to her. (63)

Alice Manfielde is accused of bewitching Joan Cheston's cattle. (70)

Elizabeth Ewstace is accused of hurting Felice Okey's geese. Felice Okey testifies against Elizabeth Ewstace during her trial. (75)

Joan Cunny confesses to sending her familiars to hurt Master Kitchin, the town Minister, but they were not able to because of his strong religious faith. (2)

Jacob Gamperle confesses to causing a heard of cattle to be blown into the river by creating a tempest. (10)

Arthur Bill is accused of bewitching Martha Aspine to death, based on strong suspicions that he was also guilty of having previously bewitched numerous kinds of cattle, and the evil reputation he and his parents have earned. (C2)

Elizabeth Sawyer alleges in her confession to Henry Goodcole that the Devil would bring her word of the harm he did on her behalf within a week. He would scratch and pinch people and cattle for her, or cause their death. She claims that she "was the cause of those two nurse-childrens death, for the which I was now indited and acquited, by the Iury." However, she denied any involvement in the death of Agnes Radcliffe. (C2-C3)

Elizabeth Gooding is accused of causing the death of a horse. (7)

Anne Leech confesses sending an imp to kill Mr. Edward's cows. (8)

Joyce Boanes allegedly went to John Spall's home, and used imps to kill ten or twelve of his sheep. (31)

A Tenant's (Anonymous 2) cattle are killed in a strange manner. Among these, are a sow that "leap'd and danc'd in several unusual postures and at last fell down dead." (3)

For the next several days after Joseph Weedon refused to sell Mary/Ann Foster mutton, he allegedly finds over 30 of his sheep "in a miserable condition, with all their Leggs broken to pieces in several places" and "their Bones all shattered in their Skins." Foster is suspected in their demise. (4)

Elizabeth Clarke of Manningtree confesses to having killed Mr. Edwards' hogs. (3)

Temperance Floyd, Mary Floyd, and Susanna Edwards of Bideford cause a cow to give blood instead of milk. (3)

Anne Whittle alleges in her confession that, after Mrs. Moore chided her for using a charm to amend some drink, Whittle called for her familiar, Fancie, and instructed him to bite the Moores' cow on the head and make it go mad. Fancie turned into a brown dog and bit the cow, which died within six weeks. (E2v-E3)

A woman who appears like a gentlewoman (Anonymous 22) destroys stores of beer and kills three hogs through witchcraft after being denied bacon and beer by a maidservant. (2-3)