IS G9 Finals - Witches - Crime & Punishment

Same as Quizlet | File type 13

Witchfinder General

Title that witch hunter Matthew Hopkins gave to himself during 1645 - 1647

Matthew Hopkins

Witchfinder General - Failed as a lawyer
Employed by the Justice of Peace to find witches in Essex and East Anglia
Got paid for all of the people he prosecuted as a witch
Around 300 people were accused, and around 112 were hanged
He used to torture the victims so they would confess
Created prosecution pamphlets

1645-1647 Witch-hunts

250 cases of suspected witchcraft were trialled in the East of England
Matthew Hopkins - strong ability to spot witches - "caught" a majority of witches

The beginning of the hunt for witches

1645 - Matthew Hopkins & assistant John Stearne
Reasons were unknown

The Accused

Old & Poor women - Most vulnerable

Methods for confessions

1. Keeping them moving or standing
2. Keeping them awake for days at a time
3. Searching for "Devil's Mark
4. Swim Test

Devil's Mark

Spots where bad spirits sucked the witch's blood.
These could be any scar, boil, or spot
This was really easy to find because of a lifetime of poor diet & hardship

Swim Test

The accused had their hands bound, and a rope was tied around their waist, lowered into the water.
If innocent - Sink
If guilty - float & examined for "Devil's Marks" for final proof

Professional "Proof"

Matthew Hopkins provided to society according to the 'Witchfinder's Paradox' model
While society provided the fear, Hopkins provided the "torch" that witches were real & present

Witch's Familiar

Supernatural entity & animal companion believed to assist witches with spells & spiritual protection

Henry VIII

Changed the law in 1542 to make witchcraft punishable by death

Hopkin's Fee

Very high fee + expenses needed to be paid by the town for him to provide his services

Triggers that made someone suspect a widow of witchcraft

Misfortunes + Illnesses & Death after a dispute with another

Printed Pamphlets

Confirmed public fears of the dangers of witchcraft

Death of Matthew Hopkins

Possibly died from an illness

Location of Witch Trials

Lenient Church Courts > Criminal Courts
Death penalty could be applied