Elizabeth Southerns, alias Demdike, confesses before Justice of the Peace Roger Nowell. In her confession, she alleges that twenty years before, she was coming home from begging and, near the Stonepit in Gouldshey in the Forest of Pendle, a devil or spirit appeared to her in the shape of a boy wearing a coat half-brown, half-black. This spirit told her that if she gave him her soul, she could have anything she requested. Southerns demanded his name; he said he was called Tibb. Tempted by his promises, she agreed to give him her soul.(B2)

Elizabeth Southerns alleges in her confession that the best way to kill someone through witchcraft is to make a clay image of the person and dry it thoroughly. She says that if you want them to be afflicted in one place more than another, to take a thorn or pin and prick that part of the image. If you want a part of their body to be consumed away, take that part of the image and burn it. To consume their whole body, take the remainder of the image and burn it; this will cause them to die.(B2v-B3v)

Anne Whittle alleges in her confession that she, Elizabeth Southerns and Widow Lomshawe bewitched Robert Nutter to death. She claims that Southerns also showed her that she had bewitched Richard Ashton to death.(B4-B4v)

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)

Anne Whittle's confession and examination is heard by Justice of the Peace for Lancashire Roger Nowell on April 2, 1612 at the fence in the Forest of Pendle. (E2v)

James Device alleges during his examination that the teeth Henry Hargreaves and he found buried at the west end of Elizabeth Southerns' house are the same teeth Anne Whittle gave Southerns twelve years before. He says they also found a clay image near the teeth, almost withered away, of Anne Nutter, Anthony Nutter's daughter.(E3v-E4)

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)

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)

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)

James Device is arraigned and tried before Justice of the Assize Sir Edward Bromley at Lancaster Assizes on August 18, 1612. He stands accused of bewitching Anne Townley and John Duckworth to death.(Hv-H2)

James Device alleges during his examination that, the previous Lent, John Duckworth promised him an old shirt, but when he went to collect it two weeks later, Duckworth denied it to him. As he left Duckworth's house, his familiar Dandy appeared to him and said "Thou didst touch the said Duckworth." Device denied it, but Dandy insisted that "thou didst touch him, and therfore I haue power of him[.]" Device finally agreed, and bid Dandy to kill Duckworth. A week later, the man was dead.(H3-H4)

Jennet Bierley, Ellen Bierley, and Jane Southworth are tried on August 19, 1612 before Justice of the Assize for Lancaster Edward Bromley. They stand accused of bewitching Grace Sowerbuts so that she wasted and consumed.(K3-K4)

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)

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)

Anne Redferne is arraigned and tried at Lancaster Assizes for witchcraft on August 19, 1612 before Justice of the Assize Sir Edward Bromley.(N3v)

Anne Redferne is acquitted of bewitching Robert Nutter to death, but tried a second time on charges of bewitching Christopher Nutter to death. She pleads not guilty.(N3v-N4)

Katherine Hewit is arraigned and tried on August 19, 1612 before Justice of the Assize Sir Edward Bromley. She stands charged of bewitching Anne Foulds to death.(P3-P3v)

John Bulcock and his mother, Jane Bulcock, are arraigned and tried on August 19, 1612 before Justice of the Assizes Sir Edward Bromley. They stand accused of bewitching Jennet Deane until she wasted and consumed, and became mad.(Q2v)

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

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)

A baby is born in Allington, Lancashire with two four legs and arms, two bellies, one back, two faces and one head.(6)

Elizabeth Device alleges in her confession that the third time her familiar Ball appeared to her, he was in the shape of a brown dog; this was four years before. Ball urged her to make a clay image of John Robinson, which Device did in her mother's house, drying it with the fire. She crumbled the image over the course of a week, and about a week after it was gone, Robinson died. Device claimed she did it because Robinson had "chidden and becalled" her for having a bastard child. (F4v)

Elizabeth Device alleges during her examination that "she doth verily thinke, that the said Bulcockes wife doth know of some Witches to bee about Padyham and Burnley."(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)

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)

From all the depositions given in court, a partial guest list for the feast at Malking Tower on Good Friday is drafted. This list includes Elizabeth Device, Alice Nutter, Katherine Hewit, John Bulcock, Jane Bulcock, Alice Grey, Jennet Hargraves, Elizabeth Hargraves, Christopher Howgate, Christopher Hargraves, Grace Hay, Anne Crunckshey, Elizabeth Howgate and Jennet Preston. (Rv-R2)

Anne Whittle alleges in her confession that Mrs. Moore, wife to John Moore, once sent for her to amend some drink that had been forspoken. Whittle recited the charm she used, which successfully unwitched the drink. Mrs. Moore was offended by the charm and chided Whittle.()

Jennet Preston is reported executed at Yorke for the murder of Master Thomas Lister. This report appears in the list of witches alleged to have attended the feast at Malking Tower.(Rv-R2)

About a week after imprisoning Elizabeth Southerns, Anne Whittle, Anne Redferne and Alison Device at Lancaster Castel, Justice of the Peace Roger Nowell becomes aware of a meeting at Malking Tower in the Forest of Pendle. He hears that at this meeting, numerous people plotted to murder Thomas Cowell and Thomas Lister, and to blow up Lancaster Castle before the next Assizes.(C2v-C3v)

The witchcraft trials begin at Lancaster Assizes on Tuesday, August 17, 1612. Lord Bromley, Justice of Assize for Lancaster, begins the trials with a "generall Proclamation, that all Iustices of Peace that had taken any Recognisaunces, or Examinations of Prisoners, should make Returne of them: And all such as were bound to prosecute Indictmentes, and giue Euidence against Witches, should proceede, and giue attendance: For hee now intended to proceed to the Arraignement and Tryall of VVitches."(C4v-D)

Anne Whittle stands trial indicted of witchcraft and of bewitching Robert Nutter to death. She pleads not guilty, and Lord Bromley commands the jury to enter the court. Robert Nowell is then called upon to read the evidence against her.(D2v-D3)

Anne Whittle alleges in her confession that, starting fourteen or fifteen years before, a spirit would come to her in the shape of a man for four years. When he came, he would ask her for her soul. At the end of the four years, Whittle finally agreed, and the spirit promised that "Thou shalt want nothing; and be reuenged of whom thou list." He commanded her to call him by the name of Fancie, and to call that name whenever she wanted anything of him. Not long after, Fancie tried to convince her to let him hurt Richard Baldwyn's wife, but she would not let him.(D3-D3v)

Anne Whittle alleges in her confession that Robert Nutter desired to have his pleasure of her daughter, Anne Redferne, and became angry when she denied him. He left in a rage, saying "if euer the Ground came to him, shee should neuer dwell vpon his Land." When Whittle heard of this, she called her familiar Fancie to her. Fancie came in the shape of a man, and Whittle told him to go revenge her of Robert Nutter. Nutter died three months later.(D4-D4v)

Anne Whittle alleges in her confession that Elizabeth Nutter, grandmother to Robert Nutter, approached her, Widow Lomeshaw and Jane Boothman to request their assistance in killing Robert, so that the land would go to the women instead. Whittle claims that all three agreed initially, but that she backed out after her son-in-law Thomas Redferne talked her out of it. Lomeshaw was angry with Redferne when Whittle withdrew her support, but was calmed down by Mr. Baldwyn, the schoolmaster for Covlne, and Redferne's gift of a capon. Whittle added that she thought Lomeshaw and Boothman did what they could to kill Robert. This took place before Robert made advances on Anne Redferne.(D4-D5)

Elizabeth Southerns alleges during her examination that one midsummer day, about half a year before Robert Nutter died, she went to Thomas Redferne's house, and saw Anne Whittle and Anne Redferne on either side of the ditch outside the house. Whittle was making two clay images, and Redferne one. Southerns asked her familar, Tibb, who was in the shape of a black cat at the time, what they were doing. Tibb told her they were making pictures of Christopher Nutter, Robert Nutter, and Robert's wife Marie Nutter. When Southerns would not join them, Tibb became angry and shoved her into the ditch, spilling her can of milk, and vanished. Tibb reappeared in the shape of a hare once Southerns was a quarter mile from the Redferne house.(E-Ev)

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)

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)

The Judges who will be presiding over the trials of the twenty people suspected of being witches arrive at Lancaster from Kendall. Thomas Cowell presents them with the full list of prisoners imprisoned in the castle of Lancaster as of August 16th, 1612. The trials are scheduled to begin the following day. Cowell's report shows that Elizabeth Southerns, alias Demdike, has died in prison.(C3v-C4)

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)

Anne Whittle alleges in her confession that she called on Fancie, who was in the shape of a man, and bid him to kill Anthony Nutter's cow; the cow died not long after. Whittle claims that she did it because she thought Nutter favoured Elizabeth Southern over her.(E2-E3)

Anne Whittle alleges in her confession that her familiar, Fancie, is responsible for her loss of most of her sight.(E2v-E3)

Anne Whittle alleges that her familiar, Fancie, came to her one night the previous summer in the shape of a bear and gaped at her. He had appeared to her in this shape many times since. The last time he appeared to her, midsummer last, he was in this shape; Whittle would not speak to him and Fancie pulled her down.(E2v-E3v)

Allison Device alleges during her examination that, two years before, she heard that Anne Whittle was suspected of bewitching John Moore's drink, and that Whittle had said she would "meet with the said Iohn Moore, or his."(E4-E4v)

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)

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)

Elizabeth Device alleges in her confession that she, Elizabeth Southerns and Alice Nutter joined together to bewitch Henry Mytton to death.(F4-F4v)

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)

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)

James Device alleges during his examination that, four days after his grandmother sent him to get communion bread, a spirit appeared to him in the shape of a brown dog. The spirit asked for his soul, offering him revenge against anyone he desired in return. James replied that "his Soule was not his to giue, but was his Sauiour Iesus Christs, but as much as was in him this Examinate to giue, he was contented he should haue it."(H3-H3v)

James Device alleges during his examination that two or three days after his familiar first appeared to him, he went to the Carre-Hall, where he argued with Anne Townley. Townley accused him and his mother Elizabeth Device of theft and kicked him out, hitting him between the shoulders on the way. A day or two after that, the spirit came again, this time in the shape of a black dog and calling itself Dandy, and urged him to make a clay image of Townley. Dandy said that if Device did, he would kill her for him. The next morning, Device made the clay image, dried it by the fire, and crumbled it over the course of the next week. Two days after the image was gone, Townley was dead. (H3-H3v)

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)

James Device is indicted on two more counts of murder for bewitching to death John Hargraves and Blaze Hargreaves. He pleads not guilty to both.(I-Iv)

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 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 alleged in her deposition that her grandmother, Jennet Bierley, brought her to meetings of witches on the north bank of the river Ribble six months before. Ellen Bierley and Jane Southworth were also there; these meetings took place every Thursday and Sunday for two weeks. Four black things, going upright but not like men in the face, carried them across the water to feast. Grace claimed that she had never seen such meat, and refused to eat of it. They all danced afterward with the black things. After the dancing, "the said black things did pull downe the said three Women, and did abuse their bodies, as this Examinate thinketh, for shee saith, that the black thing that was with her, did abuse her bodie."(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)

Grace Sowerbutts alleges in her deposition that after the black things carried her back across the Ribble, many other women came to the riverbank to meet, but she did not recognize any of them. She did not see them eat or dance, just watched; Grace thought they must live on the north side of the river, for she did not see them coming out of the water either.(K4v, L4v)

Thomas Walshman gives deposition stating that he did have a year-old child who died around Lent of the previous year, after a sickness lasting about three weeks. However, he could not say what the cause of its death had been.(L4)

Thomas Walshman gives deposition confirming that Grace Sowerbutts was found in his father Hugh Walshman's barn under some straw around April 15 of that year. He says that Sowerbutts was carried to his home, and lay there until the following Monday night. She did not speak the whole time, just lay there as if dead.(L4)

Alison Device is found guilty of witchcraft, and convicted on the strength of her own confession. Justice of the Assizes Sir Edward Bromley sentences her to execution by hanging. (S3)

John Bulcock and Jane Bulcock are found not guilty of felony by witchcraft.(S3)

Alison Device is arraigned and tried for bewitching John Law so that his body wasted and consumed. When brought into the court, she is said to have "humbly asked forgiuenesse for her offence."(R2v-R3)

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)

Alison Device alleges in her confession that, five days after she bid her familiar (Anonymous 186) to lame John Law, she went begging and the familiar appeared to her again. Anonymous 186 asked her to "Stay and speake with me" but she would not, and the familiar had not appeared to her since.(R3v-R4)

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)

Alison Device is questioned in court as to whether she can help John Law to his former health. She replies that cannot; her grandmother Elizabeth Southerns would have been able to had she lived. John Law is seen in court to have "his head is drawne awrie, his Eyes and face deformed, His speech not well to bee vnderstood; his Thighes and Legges starcke lame: his Armes lame especially the left side, his handes lame and turned out of their course, his Bodie able to indure no trauell."(Sv-S2)

Edmund Robinson testifies to George Long that that he did not believe his son (Edmund Robinson Jr.) when he first came to him and his wife telling of witches. However, his son's persistence and his tears made Edmund Robinson begin to wonder whether the boy had had a vision of sorts concerning witches in the area.(144)

Elizabeth Southerns alleges in her confession that for five or six years, Tibb would appear to her regularly at dawn and ask what she wanted to have or have him do. Southerns claimed that at this time, she always replied that she wanted nothing yet.(B2v-B3)

Elizabeth Southerns alleges in her confession that six years after Tibb first appeared to her, she was drowsing in the sun with a small child on her knee one Sunday morning. Tibb came in the shape of a brown dog and forced her to her knees to get blood from under her left arm. At this, she woke and said "Iesus saue my Child; but had no power, nor could not say, Iesus saue her selfe." This was enough to make Tibb disappear again. However, the banishment left Southerns mad for the next eight weeks.(B2v-B3)

Elizabeth Southerns alleges that just before the previous Christmas, her daughter Elizabeth Device helped out Richard Baldwyn's family at their mill, and Device sent Southerns to call on Baldwyn to ask for some kind of repayment. As Southerns was blind in her advanced age, her granddaughter Alison led her to the mill; on the way, they met with Baldwyn. Baldwyn threw them off the property, saying "get out of my ground Whores and Witches, I will burne the one of you, and hang the other." Southerns met with her spirit Tibb on the way back home, and bid him "Reuenge thee eyther of him, or his."(B3-B3v)

Anne Whittle, alias Chattox, makes a confession during her examinaton before William Sandes, Mayor of Lancaster, Justice of the Peace for Lancaster James Anderton, and Coroner for the County of Lancaster Thomas Cowell. (B4-B4v)

Anne Whittle alleges in her confession that, fourteen years ago, Elizabeth Southerns seduced her to "condescent & agree to become subiect vnto that diuelish abhominable profession of Witchcraft." Whittle and Southerns were at Southern's home in the Forest of Pendle. Soon after she agreed, the Devil came to her in the shape of a man and moved her to become his subject and give him her soul. Whittle resisted at first, but Southerns persuaded her until she yielded. The spirit also demanded a part of her body to suck from and took "a place of her right side neere to her ribbes."(B4-B4v)

Anne Whittle alleges in her confession that the night Elizabeth Southerns persuaded her to become a witch and make a compact with a spirit, a thing appeared in the shape of a spotted bitch and told Southerns that "she should haue Gould, Siluer, and worldly Wealth, at her will." This spirit, which was Southerns' familiar Tibb, brought a feast of "Flesh, Butter, Cheese, Bread, and Drinke" but no matter how much they ate, they never felt full or any benefit from eating. Tibb was accompanied by Whittle's new familiar, a spirit calling itself Fancie; the two of them cast light over the feast and cleared away the remnants. (B4-B4v)

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 alleged in her deposition against Elizabeth Southerns that, about two years before, Alison had got a piggin, or wooden bucket, of blue milk and brought it to Southerns. She found, on arrival, that there was a quarter-pound of butter in the milk, and still the same amount of milk remaining. Alison added that, when she arrived, Southerns had no butter left in the house. (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 Device is examined on April 27, 1612 before Justices of the Peace for Lancashire Roger Nowell and Nicholas Bannister.(C2)

James Device alleges during his examination that, about a month ago, he was walking toward his mother's home at sunset and met a brown dog coming from his grandmother's house. About two or three nights later, he heard "a voyce of a great number of Children screiking and crying pittifully" coming from his grandmother's home when he reached the same place where he had met the dog. The next five nights, also at sunset, he would hear "a foule yelling like vnto a great number of Cattes: but what they were, this Examinate cannot tell." (C2)

James Device alleges during his deposition that one night last month, a thing (Anonymous 178) came into his bedroom around midnight and lay heavily on him for about an hour. The spirit then left out the window. All he could see of it was that it was black and about the size of a hare or cat.(C2)

Elizabeth Device is indicted on three counts. The first is for bewitching John Robinson to death, the second is for bewitching James Robinson to death, and the third is for conspiring with Alice Nutter and Elizabeth Southerns to bewitch Henry Mytton to death.(F3v)

Elizabeth Device alleges in her confession that she bewitched James Robinson to death.(F4-F4v)

Elizabeth Device makes a confession at the home of James Wisely in the Forest of Pendle on April 27, 1612. This confession is witnessed by Justices for the Peace for Lancaster Roger Nowell and Nicholas Bannister.(F4)

Jennet Device, a child of nine, gives evidence before the court against her mother, Elizabeth Device. Elizabeth curses and cries out against her daughter, until Jennet, shaken to the point of tears, tells the judge she will not speak in Elizabeth's presence. (F4v-G)

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, about a year before, he heard his grandmother Elizabeth Southerns say that his mother Elizabeth Device had bewitched Henry Mytton to death with the help of some others. Mytton was killed because Southerns had asked him for a penny and he denied her. She arranged for his death in revenge.(G2)

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)

Elizabeth Device alleges in her confession that, on Good Friday, she had a number of witches at her home of Malking Tower to dine. She confirmed the list her son James Device had given as being in attendance. (G3)

Elizabeth Device alleges in her confession that on Good Friday, the same day she held a feast of witches at her home of Malking Tower, her mother Elizabeth Southerns had two women of Burneley Paris at her house, the names of whom Richard Nutter's wife could tell, and that Anne Crouckshey of Marsden was also there.(G3)

Elizabeth Device alleges in her confession that she recalls discussing killing Master Lister at the feast at Malking Tower, but she denies that there was any talk of killing the gaoler, or of blowing up Lancaster Castle.(G3)

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 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 he stole a wether (a castrated sheep) from John Robinson and brought it to Malking Tower for the Good Friday feast. He also restated that the meeting was to name Alison Device's familiar, but that she was not there, and that they had discussed killing the gaoler at Lancaster and blowing up the castle to free the prisoners.(I2v)

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)

James Device alleges during his examination that Jennet Preston has a familiar spirit in the shape of a white foal with a black spot on its forehead. (I2v-I3)

James Device makes a confession while imprisoned in the Castle at Lancaster before William Sandes, Mayor of Lancaster, James Anderton, Justice of the Peace for the County of Lancaster, and Thomas Cowell, Coroner for the County of Lancaster.(I4v)

James Device alleges during his confession that his familiar Dandy was insistent that he give him his soul. He and Dandy argued about it: "he would giue him that part thereof that was his owne to giue: and thereupon the said Spirit said, hee was aboue CHRIST IESVS, and therefore hee must absolutely giue him his Soule[.]" The last time Dandy came to him was the Tuesday before his apprehension; the familiar had vanished with a fearful cry and yell when James yet again refused to give his soul absolutely.(I4v-K)

Jennet Device alleges during her deposition that her mother, Elizabeth Device, taught her two prayers, one to get drink and one to cure the bewitched. Jennet recited both, and claimed that her brother, James Device, had successfully used the one to get drink. He told her that an hour after saying it, drink arrived at the house in a strange manner.(K-K2)

Anne Whittle, alias Chattox, Elizabeth Device and James Device are declared guilty of murder by witchcraft.(K2v)

John Singleton gives deposition in Salmesbury before Justice of the Peace Robert Holden on August 7, 1612. In his deposition, he claims that he had often heard his master, Sir John Southworth (now deceased) speak of his cousin John Southworth's wife, Jane Southworth, as an "euill woman, and a Witch." Sir John also said he was "sorry for her husband, that was his kinsman, for he thought she would kill him." Furthermore, Sir John avoided Jane, to the point that he would choose routes that allowed him to avoid passing her house.(L4v)

William Alker gives deposition on April 15, 1612, before Justice of the Peace Robert Holden. Alker claims to have seen Sir John Southworth shun Joan Southworth whenever they came near one another. He also claimed to have heard Sir John say that "he liked her not, and that he doubted she would bewitch him."(M)

Grace Sowerbutts is examined a second time, this time on August 19, 1612 following the evidence against Joan Southworth, Jennet Bierley and Ellen Bierley. Justices of the Peace William Leich and Edward Chisnel preside over the examination at the direction of Justice of the Assize Sir Edward Bromley.(M4v)

Grace Sowerbutts retracts her accusation that Jennet Bierley and Ellen Bierley killed, cooked, ate and rendered for fat Thomas Walshman's child, or that either of them ever changed shape. She also states that Jane Southworth had nothing to do with the child's death.(Mv)

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)

Grace Sowerbutts retracts her claims of having seen devils or any other visions, and that she climbed up on the hay-mow herself rather than being cast there. When demanded to answer whether she attended church, she responded that she did not, but promised to start willingly.(Mv-M2)

Joan Southworth, Jennet Bierley and Ellen Bierley are examined a second time, this time on August 19, 1612 following Grace Sowerbutt's retraction. Justices of the Peace William Leich and Edward Chisnel preside over the examination at the direction of Justice of the Assize Sir Edward Bromley.(Nv)

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)

Jennet Bierley, Ellen Bierley and Jane Southworth are found innocent of witchcraft and murder at the conclusion of their trial. Instead, priest Master Thompson, alias Christopher Southworth, is declared to have conspired maliciously against them. (Nv-N2v)

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)

Anne Whittle confesses to making clay images and begs on behalf of her daughter, Anne Redferne, following John Nutter's examination. Redferne is nevertheless declared more dangerous than Whittle for having made more clay images.(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)

Alice Nutter is arraigned and tried on August 19, 1612 before Justice of the Assize Sir Edward Bromley. She stands accused of bewitching Henry Mytton to death, and is suspected of attending the meeting of witches at Malking Tower. Nutter pleads not guilty.(O3-O4)

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)

Jennet Bierley is found not guilty of witchcraft. She is cautioned to use the mercy and favour well, and ordered delivered.(Qv)

Margaret Pearson is arraigned and tried on August 19, 1612 before Justice of the Assizes Sir Edward Bromley. She stands accused of using witchcraft on the horse and goods of Dodgeson of Padiham.(S3v-S4v)

Anne Whittle gives deposition alleging that Margaret Pearson confessed to her that she is a witch and has a spirit (Anonymous 153) in the shape of a man with cloven feet. Pearson claimed to have "done very much harme to one Dodgesons goods" and sat with her spirit on the back of Dodgeson's mare until the horse died.(S2v)

Anne Whittle alleges during her examination that Margaret Pearson confessed to bewitching Mrs. Childer and her daughter to death.(S4v)

Jennet Booth gives deposition on August 9, 1612 before Justice of the Peace Nicholas Bannister. In her deposition, she alleges that the Friday after Margaret Pearson was gaoled, Booth was carding wool in Pearson's home. She went to warmed up some milk to give to her child, and took it off the fire only to find a thing like a toad crawling out from under the pan. Her child carried the toad out of the house in tongs.(T)

Isabel Robey is arraigned and tried on August 19, 1612 before Justice of the Assize Sir Edward Bromley. She stands accused of practicing witchcraft. (T2-T2v)

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 alleges in his deposition that, four years before, his wife argued with Isabel Robey; later the same day, he was working in the hay and became afflicted with a stiffness and pain in his neck. Over the next five days, he also developed a fever and thirst, but could not drink. He sent for his friend James to pray for him, which allowed him to drink again, and was soon mended thereafter.(T3-T3v)

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)

Jane Wilkinson gives deposition before Justice of the Peace Sir Thomas Gerrard. In her deposition, she alleges that Isabel Robey once asked her for milk, and she refused. Wilkinson became afraid of Robey thereafter, and became sick and so pained she could not stand. (T4)

Jane Wilkison alleges in her deposition that the day after she refused to give Isabel Robey some milk, she left home to travel to Warrington, but was "suddenly pinched on her Thigh as shee thought, with foure fingers & a Thumbe twice together, and thereupon was sicke." She was forced to return home on horseback, and mended soon after.(T4)

Margaret Lyon gives deposition before Justice of the Peace Sir Thomas Gerrard. In her deposition, she alleges that Isabel Robey once told her that "Peter Chaddock should neuer mend vntill he had asked her forgiuenesse; and that shee knew hee would neuer doe." Mrs. Chaddock later told her the same thing: "I thinke that my Husband will neuer mend vntill hee haue asked her forgiuenesse."(T4-T4v)

Margaret Parre gives deposition before Justice of the Peace Sir Thomas Gerard. In her deposition, she alleges that Isabel Robey once came to her home, and that she had asked Robey how Peter Chaddock did. Robey replied that she had not seen him. Parre then asked about Jane Wilkinson, for Wilkinson had been sick and was suspected to be bewitched; Robey replied "I haue bewitched her too." Parre said she trusted she could bless herself from all witches. Robey did not like this, saying "would you defie me?" and left angry.(V)

Isabel Robey is found guilty of felony by witchcraft. Justice of the Assizes Sir Edward Bromley sentences her to execution by hanging. (V-Vv)

Ellen Bierley is found not guilty of witchcraft. She is cautioned to use the mercy and favour well, and ordered delivered. (Qv)

Jane Southworth is found not guilty of witchcraft. She is cautioned to use the mercy and favour well, and ordered delivered.(Qv)

Katherine Hewit is found guilty of felony and murder. Justice of the Assizes Sir Edward Bromley sentences her to execution by hanging. (Qv)

Alice Nutter is found guilty of felony and murder. Justice of the Assizes Sir Edward Bromley sentences her to execution by hanging. (Qv)

Anne Redferne is found guilty of felony and murder. Justice of the Assizes Sir Edward Bromley sentences her to execution by hanging. (Qv)

Elizabeth Astley, John Ramseden, Alice Grey, Isabel Sidegraves and Lawrence Hayes are found not guilty of witchcraft by Justice of the Assizes Sir Edward Bromley. They are cautioned to forsake the Devil and ordered to "enter Recognizances with good sufficient Suerties, to appeare at the next Assizes at Lancaster, and in the meane time to be of the good behauiour."(X-Xv)

Margaret Pearson is pronounced guilty of witchcraft. She is sentenced by Sir Edward Bromley to stand in the pillory for four market days, once each in Clitheroe, Paddiham, Whalley and Lancaster. While pilloried, she will have a paper on her head with large letters declaring her crimes, and must confess to them. Afterward, she will be imprisoned for one year without bail, and released on the surety of good behaviour thereafter.(V3, V4v)

James Device is found guilty of felony and murder. Justice of the Assizes Sir Edward Bromley sentences him to execution by hanging. (V2v)

Elizabeth Device is found guilty of felony and murder. Justice of the Assizes Sir Edward Bromley sentences her to execution by hanging. (V2v)

Anne Whittle is found guilty of felony and murder. Justice of the Assizes Sir Edward Bromley sentences her to execution by hanging. (V2v)

James Device alleges during his examination that a woman from Gisburne Parish in Yorke (identified as Jennet Preston) came to the Good Friday feast at Malking Tower to ask the assistance of the company gathered there. She desired to kill Master Lister of Westby because he "had borne malice vnto her, and had thought to haue put her away at the last Assizes at Yorke." He heard her say that her power was not strong enough anymore for her to do it herself.(Y3v-Y4)

Henry Hargrieves gives deposition on May 5, 1612 before Justices of the Peace Roger Nowell, Nicholas Bannester and Robert Holden. In his deposition, he alleges that Anne Whittle confessed to him to knowing Jennet Preston. Whittle also told him that Preston was at the Good Friday feast at Malking Tower; she added that Preston "was an ill woman, and had done Master Lister of Westby great hurt."(Y4v)

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)