It was today, 18th August way back in 1612 that the trial of the Pendle Witches began.
A local peddler by the name of John Law was asked by Alison Device for some pins, which he refused. As he walked away, Alison allegedly cursed him. A short time later, John fell ill and was reported to have been struck down by some mysterious illness, which local folk decided was caused by witchcraft.
This was just the beginning. As a result of other so-called mysterious illnesses and happenings, fingers were pointed and suspects were named. Ten women were executed by hanging, one died whilst in prison and a final one was acquitted.
Not like one of my ancestors, Jane Wenham. She was accused of flying but the judge said that “flying, per se, was not a crime”. However, her reputation was ruined and she moved away from her home village – for her own safety!
A local peddler by the name of John Law was asked by Alison Device for some pins, which he refused. As he walked away, Alison allegedly cursed him. A short time later, John fell ill and was reported to have been struck down by some mysterious illness, which local folk decided was caused by witchcraft.
This was just the beginning. As a result of other so-called mysterious illnesses and happenings, fingers were pointed and suspects were named. Ten women were executed by hanging, one died whilst in prison and a final one was acquitted.
Not like one of my ancestors, Jane Wenham. She was accused of flying but the judge said that “flying, per se, was not a crime”. However, her reputation was ruined and she moved away from her home village – for her own safety!
