Search Britain, History of Witchcraft Trials Volumes

Delve deeper into the history of witchcraft with these five incredible historical texts. Witchcraft has captured our imagination for centuries and has become a part of popular culture. However, in earlier centuries, witches were perceived as a threat. Witchcraft became a capital offence in 1542 under Henry VIII. The law was repealed five years later, but under Elizabeth I, witchcraft became a felony. Most witch trials occurred between the 16th and 18th centuries in Britain. It is estimated that 4,000-5,000 people were executed. Women were disproportionately targeted.

Witches were believed to have supernatural powers bestowed on them by the Devil. Those accused of witchcraft were often people who deviated from societal norms. Evidence was frequently based on hearsay, and rumours or confessions were drawn out through torture.

The five volumes in this collection draw together a unique history of witchcraft and include some of the most famous cases, such as the Pendle witch trials. The volumes include:

The Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster – published in 1613, written by Thomas Potts. This digitised version is missing the title page which would have included: ‘The wonderfull discoverie of witches in the countie of Lancaster. With the arraignment and triall of nineteene notorious witches, at the assizes and general gaole deliuerie, holden at the castle of Lancaster, upon Munday, the seventeenth of August last, 1612. Before Sir Iames Altham, and Sir Edward Bromley, Knights; barons of his Maiesties Court of Exchequer: and justices of Assize, Oyer and Terminor, and generall gaole deliuerie in the circuit of the north parts. Together with the arraignement and triall of Jennet Preston, at the assizes holden at the castle of Yorke, the seven and twentieth day of Julie last past, with her execution for the murther of Master Lister by witchcraft. Published and set forth by commandement of his Maiesties justices of assize in the north parts. By Thomas Potts Esquier.’ Please note that the volume includes spelling contemporary to the time publication. It documents the Pendle witch trials which took place from 18-19 August. 11 people were found guilty and hanged, one was sentenced to the pillory, and the rest were acquitted.

A short treatise touching sheriffs accompts - written by Sir Matthew Hale. The full title includes: ‘To which is added, A tryal of witches, at the assizes held at Bury St. Edmonds, for the county of Suffolk, on the 10th of March 1664, before the said Sir Matthew Hale, kt.’ The treatise includes the trial of two widows, Rose Cullender and Amy Duny, living in Lowestoft, who were accused of witchcraft by their neighbours. They were both convicted and executed.

Trial of witches in Shetland, A.D. 1644 - possible publication date is 1822. This is a short pamphlet written about the trail of Marion Peebles, alias Pardone.

Witchcraft and devil lore in the Channel Islands – published in 1866. The text includes transcripts from the official records of the Guernsey Royal Court, with an English translation and historical introduction by John Linwood Pitts. The volumes include trials in Guernsey and Jersey, and also include remarks on trials in America, England and Scotland.

A history of the witches of Renfrewshire - published in 1877. This edition records the trials of the Paisley witches, also known as the Bargarran witches. They were tried in Paisley, Renfrewshire Scotland in 1697. Seven people were found guilty. They were hanged and then burned on 10 June 1697. This was the last mass execution for witchcraft in Western Europe.

Witch hunting and witch trials : The indictments for witchcraft from the records of 1373 assizes held for the home circuit, 1559-1736 A. D – published in 1929, collected and edited by C. L’Estrange Ewen. It is a unique survey of laws and court records related to witch trials. It provides statistics, lists of cases, abstracts of indictments, and critical insights into the trials.