Background to the pendle witch trials

What was ground breaking about the Pendle trials

the inclusion of a child witness

What was the main source of income for those living in Pendle

Arable farming and the production of cloth

How much did a cow cost at market

£3

What increased the threat of eviction

entry fines, increase in enclosure

What was the population of Pendle in 1650

1,620

when was the church of Newchurch consecrated

1544

What was the impact of a skirmish with the duchy of Lancaster, questioning the validity of copyholders

increased economic tensions, increased rents for subtenants

What two issues did Christopher Nuttall get criticized for

married a couple in an ale house and another couple without a liscence

what crime were older witches charged with

using spells based off of corrupted versions of catholic prayer

How large was the parish at Pendle

180 square miles, New church a part of a dependant chapelry

why was the anti-Catholic puritan gentry increased significantly in power by the 17th Century

the absence of Catholic abbey following the dissolution of the monasteries

What evidence is there that white magic was a relatively normal part of Lancashire life

nearly 100 cases of witchcraft in the quarter sessions with no repercussions

Who normally made accusations of witchcraft under the English system

members of the local community

What did the witchcraft act of 1604 change about the accusations for maleficium

included conjuring of spirits and non-tangible evidence

What was probably the catalyst for the 1604 statute

James’ continental ideas about Deamonologie