Janet Preston of Gisburne is alleged to be the first of several noted cases of witchcraft in the North in 1612.(28-29)

Richard Dugdale of Lancashire becomes ill while making hay, and upon the advice of a well reputed neighbour and serving woman, goes to take a drink and lie down in the Hall he works at. After "some time being laid down upon the Bed, the Chamber-Door opened of it self," and several apparitions appear to him. First, smoke or mist, then a "Hard-favoured man" he mistakes for a fellow servant or a Black man, which turns into a naked child. "All this was done when he was awake." The apparitions disappear after dancing in front of him, in a burst of flame.(62-63)

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)