The Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster- 1612

Overview of the Witch Trials in Lancaster (August 1612)

  • Context: Nineteen individuals tried for witchcraft in Lancaster, August 1612.

  • Execution Outcome: Ten were executed, including Isabel Robey.

    • Document outlines the trial and judgment of Isabel Robey.

The Arraignment and Trial of Isabel Robey

  • Judicial Authority: Conducted by Sir Edward Bromley, Knight, at the Assizes and General Jail Delivery.

  • Historical Reference: The King’s majesty acknowledged the trials in his published work "Demonology".

Isabel Robey’s Charges

  • Indictment: Practiced wicked arts including witchcraft, enchantments, charms, and soceries.

  • Plea: Isabel pleaded not guilty and placed her fate in God and the people.

Testimonies Against Isabel Robey

Testimony of Peter Chadock

  • Accusation: Claims that Isabel's devilish actions caused him pain.

    • Suffered from a "pain and starkness" after an encounter with Isabel.

    • Remembered Isabel's witchcraft allegations after not being able to quench his thirst until receiving help from a glover.

  • Healing: Relayed recoveries after seeking prayers, attributed to Isabel's witchcraft.

Testimony of Jane Wilkinson

  • Incident: Described being frightened and becoming sick after denying Isabel milk.

  • Physical Effects: Noted physical assaults attributed to Isabel, causing extreme discomfort and requiring assistance to return home.

Testimony of Margaret Lyon

  • Observation: Noted Isabel’s claim that Peter Chadock needed to ask for forgiveness to recover; his refusal was deemed as a curse against him.

Verdict and Sentencing

  • Jury's Verdict: Found Isabel Robey guilty of witchcraft despite limited evidence from testimonies.

  • Final Sentencing: Commanded to prepare for execution due to the severity of the charges and confessions.

Sir Edward Bromley’s Judgment Speech

  • Tone: Expressed the heavy burden of delivering the judgment; emphasized the requirement of lawful proceedings.

  • Instruction to the Convicted: Urged the accused to repent for their actions and seek forgiveness for their deeds, highlighting the gravity of their involvement in witchcraft and the pain caused to other individuals.

Conclusion

  • Reflection: Sir Bromley conveyed the deep sorrow surrounding the trials, asserting the need for just proceedings and the acknowledgment of the gravity of witchcraft practices in society.

  • Spiritual Reconciliation: Suggested the necessity for the convicts to reflect on their actions and prepare for the afterlife.