1.1.2 The Pendle Swindle 1634

What was the Pendle Swindle and when did it take place

The Pendle Swindle was a witchcraft case in 1634 triggered by false accusations made by a 10 year old Edmund Robinson in Pendle, Lancashire

What story did Edmund Robinson tell to start the witch-hunt

He claimed he saw two greyhounds transform into a woman and a boy, was taken to a witches’ feast at hoarstones, and later escaped

Why did Robinson fabricate the story of the Pendle Swindle

To avoid punishment for neglecting his duties and to help his father get revenge against Frances Dickinson over a cow-related dispute

How many people were accused and found guilty in the Pendle Swindle case

Around 25 people were accused and 17 were found guilty at trial

What role did the local magistrate play in encouraging scepticism

They sent the case to the privy council, expressing doubts about the reliability of the evidence despite convicting the accused

What was the result of the investigation led by the Bishop of Chester

It found no real evidence of witchcraft, and the Robinsons, along with four women, were sent to London for further questioning

Who examined the accused women in London and what was the outcome

Surgeons, including William Harvey, found no Devil’s marks. One woman confessed, but her story didn’t match Robinson’s

What happened to Edmund Robinson after the trial

He became known as a witchfinder and, with his father, profited from false accusations until he later admitted the story was fabricated

How did the Pendle Swindle contribute to scepticism about witchcraft

It exposed how accusations could be based on lies, personal grudges, or profit, not supernatural belief, weakening trust in witch trials