1.1.3 The Demon Drummer of Tedworth 1662

What was the Demon Drummer of Tedworth case

A 1662 case involving John Mompesson, who accused William Drury of fraud. Mompesson's house later experienced unexplained disturbances blamed on witchcraft

Who was William Drury and why was he accused

Drury was a former Parliamentarian soldier and entertainer. He was accused of forging a pass to collect alms and had his drum confiscated

What types of disturbances occurred at Mompesson’s house

Sounds of drumming, objects thrown around, sulphurous smells, strange lights, and injuries to animals

Who was Joseph Glanvill and what was his role in the case

A supporter of witchcraft belief who investigated the case and claimed it provided scientific evidence for the supernatural

How did sceptics respond to the case

Figures like John Webster and Balthasar Bekker claimed the case was fraudulent or caused by servants, not witchcraft

What role did Mompesson’s personal bias possibly play in the case

Mompesson may have had a grudge against Drury, who had fought for the Parliamentary army, unlike Mompesson who was a Royalist

Why is the Demon Drummer case significant for the history of witchcraft scepticism

It was revisited by intellectuals over time, and as rational thought grew, it contributed to growing doubt about the reality of witchcraft

How did Glanvill try to legitimize belief in witchcraft?

He tried to persuade the Royal Society that witchcraft could be studied scientifically and proven with rational investigation

What does the Tedworth case show about changing attitudes from 1580–1750

It illustrates how public and intellectual scrutiny of supernatural claims led to the growth of rational, sceptical views on witchcraft.