Pendle Swindle 1633-34

Edmund Robinson’s claims

10 years old

Aware of local reputation of Jennet Device

Brought up issue of witchcraft to avoid punishment for not looking after father’s cattle when asked to

Diversion - claimed that when he was looking for plums approached by two greyhounds one black one brown

Both had string around necks, took hold of them, hare ran past and dogs made no movement - suspicious

Black greyhound then changed into Frances Dickinson wife of a local man and other into an unknown boy

Claimed woman offered him a shilling to keep quiet, refused money and made it clear he intended to report her as a witch

Unknown boy changed into a white horse and woman forced Robinson to ride with her to a house called Hoarstones, found a gathering of witches, men and women, who were feasting, but able to escape

Accusations and trial

Robinson’s father found son in distressed state

Waited three months to inform local magistrates Richard Shuttleworth and John Starkie

Led to a number of churches were Robinson identified witches to try - 25, taken to Lancaster for trial, 17 found guilty

Sceptical attitude of magistrates - immediately sent report to Privy Council in London, beginning to have doubts about evidence and testimony

Instructed Bishop of Chester Henry Bridgeman to investigate some of the women

Discovery of Fraud

Bridgeman investigated, concluded Robinson’s motive not founded in magic, father and son sent to London to be interrogated with 4 of accused women

Women examined by surgeons including William Harvey and midwives for devil’s mark and questioned by Charles, did not find anything unnatural

Margaret Johnson’s confession

Despite lack of evidence, told tale of when she sold her soul to Devil who promised to give her all she desired

Claimed she met with other witches though did not match Robinson’s story

Robinson’s reputation after the trial

Became known as witch finder for a time

Encouraged by father and uncle to visit services in Lancashire where he identified witches in congregation

Father gained enough money to purchase two cows

Summoned to London, boy admitted father forced him to tell story due to revenge against Dickinson who he was in dispute with over payment of a cow - increased scepticism