* * * * *
Gentle Reader, although the care of this Gentleman the
Author, was great to examine and publish this his worke
perfect according to the Honorable testimonie of the Iudges,
yet some faults are committed by me in the Printing, and yet
not many, being a worke done in such great haste, at the end
of a Tearme, which I pray you, with your fauour to excuse.
* * * * *
[Illustration]
[Illustration: decoration]
A particular Declaration of
the most barberous and damnable Practises, Murthers,
wicked and diuelish Conspiracies, practized
_and executed by the most dangerous and malitious_
Witch _Elizabeth Sowthernes_ alias _Demdike_,
of the Forrest of _Pendle_ in the Countie of
_Lancaster_ Widdow, who died in the
Castle at _Lancaster_ before she
came to receiue her tryall.
Though publique iustice hath passed at these Assises vpon the
Capitall offendours, and after the Arraignement & tryall of them,
Iudgement being giuen, due and timely Execution succeeded; which doth
import and giue the greatest satisfaction that can be, to all men; yet
because vpon the caryage, and euent of this businesse, the Eyes of all
the partes of _Lancashire_, and other Counties in the North partes
thereunto adioyning were bent: And so infinite a multitude came to the
Arraignement & tryall of these Witches at _Lancaster_, the number of
them being knowen to exceed all others at any time heretofore, at one
time to be indicted, arraigned, and receiue their tryall,[B_a_]
especially for so many Murders, Conspiracies, Charmes, Meetinges,
hellish and damnable practises, so apparant vpon their owne
examinations & confessions. These my honourable & worthy Lords, the
Iudges of Assise, vpon great consideration, thought it necessarie &
profitable, to publish to the whole world, their most barbarous and
damnable practises, with the direct proceedinges of the Court against
them, aswell for that there doe passe diuers vncertaine reportes and
relations of such Euidences, as was publiquely giuen against them at
their Arraignement. As for that diuers came to prosecute against many
of them that were not found guiltie, and so rest very discontented,
and not satisfied. As also for that it is necessary for men to know
and vnderstande the meanes whereby they worke their mischiefe, the
hidden misteries of their diuelish and wicked Inchauntmentes, Charmes,
and Sorceries, the better to preuent and auoyde the danger that may
ensue. And lastly, who were the principall authors and actors in this
late woefull and lamentable _Tragedie_, wherein so much Blood was
spilt.
Therefore I pray you giue me leaue, (with your patience and fauour,)
before I proceed to the Indictment, Arraignement, and Tryall of such
as were prisoners in the Castle, to lay open the life and death of
this damnable and malicious Witch, of so long continuance (old
_Demdike_) of whom our whole businesse hath such dependence, that
without the particular Declaration and Record of her Euidence, with
the circumstaunces, wee shall neuer bring any thing to good
perfection: for from this Sincke of villanie and mischiefe, haue all
the rest proceeded; as you shall haue them in order.
She was a very old woman, about the age of Fourescore[B_b_] yeares,
and had been a Witch for fiftie yeares. Shee dwelt in the Forrest of
_Pendle_, a vaste place, fitte for her profession: What shee committed
in her time, no man knowes.
Thus liued shee securely for many yeares, brought vp her owne
Children, instructed her Graund-children, and tooke great care and
paines to bring them to be Witches. Shee was a generall agent for the
Deuill in all these partes: no man escaped her, or her Furies, that
euer gaue them any occasion of offence, or denyed them any thing they
stood need of: And certaine it is, no man neere them, was secure or
free from danger.
But God, who had in his diuine prouidence prouided to cut them off,
and roote them out of the Commonwealth, so disposed aboue, that the
Iustices of those partes, vnderstanding by a generall charme and
muttering, the great and vniuersall resort to _Maulking Tower_, the
common opinion, with the report of these suspected people, the
complaint of the Kinges subiectes for the losse of their Children,
Friendes, Goodes, and Cattle, (as there could not be so great Fire
without some Smoake,) sent for some of the Countrey, and tooke great
paynes to enquire after their proceedinges, and courses of life.
In the end, _Roger Nowell_ Esquire,[B2_a_] one of his Maiesties
Iustices in these partes, a very religious honest Gentleman, painefull
in the seruice of his Countrey: whose fame for this great seruice to
his Countrey, shall liue after him, tooke vpon him to enter into the
particular examination of these suspected persons: And to the honour
of God, and the great comfort of all his Countrey, made such a
discouery of them in order, as the like hath not been heard of: which
for your better satisfaction, I haue heere placed in order against
her, as they are vpon Record, amongst the Recordes of the _Crowne_ at
_Lancaster_, certified by M. _Nowell_, and others.
[Illustration: decoration]
The voluntarie Confession
and Examination of _Elizabeth Sowtherns_ alias
_Demdike_, taken at the Fence in the Forrest
of _Pendle_ in the Countie
of _Lancaster._
The second day of Aprill, _Annoq; Regni Regis Iacobi Anggliæ,
&c. Decimo, et Scotiæ, Quadragesimo quinto;_
Before _Roger Nowell_ of _Reade_ Esquire, one of his
Maiesties Iustices of the peace within
the sayd Countie, _Viz._
The said _Elizabeth Sowtherns_ confesseth, and sayth; That about
twentie yeares past, as she was comming homeward from begging, there
met her this Examinate neere vnto a Stonepit in _Gouldshey_,[B2_b_1]
in the sayd Forrest of _Pendle_, a Spirit or Deuill in the shape of a
Boy, the one halfe of his Coate blacke, and the other browne, who bade
this Examinate stay, saying to her, that if she would giue him her
Soule, she should haue any thing that she would request. Wherevpon
this Examinat demaunded his name? and the Spirit answered, his name
was _Tibb_:[B2_b_2] and so this Examinate in hope of such gaine as was
promised by the sayd Deuill or _Tibb_, was contented to giue her Soule
to the said Spirit: And for the space of fiue or sixe yeares next
after, the sayd Spirit or Deuill appeared at sundry times vnto her
this Examinate about _Day-light_ Gate,[B2_b_3] alwayes bidding her
stay, and asking her this Examinate what she would haue or doe? To
whom this Examinate replyed, Nay nothing: for she this Examinate said,
she wanted nothing yet. And so about the end of the said sixe yeares,
vpon a Sabboth day in the morning, this Examinate hauing a litle Child
vpon her knee, and she being in a slumber, the sayd Spirit appeared
vnto her in the likenes of a browne Dogg, forcing himselfe to her
knee, to get blood vnder her left Arme: and she being without any
apparrell sauing her Smocke, the said Deuill did get blood vnder her
left arme.[B3_a_1] And this Examinate awaking, sayd, _Iesus saue my
Child_; but had no power, nor could not say, _Iesus saue her selfe_:
wherevpon the Browne Dogge vanished out of this Examinats sight: after
which, this Examinate was almost starke madd for the space of eight
weekes.
And vpon her examination, she further confesseth, and saith. That a
little before Christmas last, this Examinates Daughter hauing been to
helpe _Richard Baldwyns_ Folkes at the Mill: This Examinates Daughter
did bid her this Examinate goe to the sayd _Baldwyns_ house, and aske
him some thing for her helping of his Folkes at the Mill, (as
aforesaid:) and in this Examinates going to the said _Baldwyns_ house,
and neere to the sayd house, she mette with the said _Richard
Baldwyn_; Which _Baldwyn_ sayd to this Examinate, and the said _Alizon
Deuice_[B3_a_3] (who at that time ledde this Examinate, being blinde)
get out of my ground Whores and Witches, I will burne the one of you,
and hang the other.[B3_a_2] To whom this Examinate answered: I care
not for thee, hang thy selfe: Presently wherevpon, at this Examinates
going ouer the next hedge, the said Spirit or Diuell called _Tibb_,
appeared vnto this Examinat, and sayd, _Reuenge thee of him_. To whom,
this Examinate sayd againe to the said Spirit. _Revenge thee eyther of
him, or his._ And so the said Spirit vanished out of her sight, and
she neuer saw him since.
And further this Examinate confesseth, and sayth, that the speediest
way to take a mans life away by Witchcraft, is to make a Picture of
Clay,[B3_b_] like vnto the shape of the person whom they meane to
kill, & dry it thorowly: and when they would haue them to be ill in
any one place more then an other; then take a Thorne or Pinne, and
pricke it in that part of the Picture you would so haue to be ill: and
when you would haue any part of the Body to consume away, then take
that part of the Picture, and burne it. And when they would haue the
whole body to consume away, then take the remnant of the sayd Picture,
and burne it: and so therevpon by that meanes, the body shall die.
* * * * *
The Confession and Examination
of Anne Whittle _alias_ Chattox, being
Prisoner at _Lancaster_; taken the 19 day of May,
_Annoq; Regni Regis Iacobi Angliæ, Decimo:
ac Scotie Quadragesimo quinto_; Before
_William Sandes_ Maior of the Borrough
towne of _Lancaster._
_Iames Anderton_ of _Clayton_, one of his Maiesties Iustices
of Peace within the same County, and _Thomas
Cowell_ one of his Maiesties Coroners in
the sayd Countie of Lancaster,
_Viz._
First, the sayd _Anne Whittle_, alias _Chattox_, sayth, that about
foureteene yeares past she entered, through the wicked perswasions and
counsell of _Elizabeth Southerns_, alias _Demdike_, and was seduced to
condescend & agree to become subiect vnto that diuelish abhominable
profession of Witchcraft: Soone after which, the Deuill appeared vnto
her in the liknes of a Man, about midnight, at the house of the sayd
_Demdike_: and therevpon the sayd _Demdike_ and shee, went foorth of
the said house vnto him; wherevpon the said wicked Spirit mooued this
Examinate, that she would become his Subiect, and giue her Soule vnto
him: the which at first, she refused to assent vnto; but after, by the
great perswasions made by the sayd _Demdike_, shee yeelded to be at
his commaundement and appoyntment: wherevpon the sayd wicked Spirit
then sayd vnto her, that hee must haue one part of her body for him to
sucke vpon; the which shee denyed then to graunt vnto him; and withall
asked him, what part of her body hee would haue for that vse; who
said, hee would haue a place of her right side neere to her ribbes,
for him to sucke vpon: whereunto shee assented.
And she further sayth, that at the same time, there was a thing in the
likenes of a spotted Bitch, that came with the sayd Spirit vnto the
sayd _Demdike_, which then did speake vnto her in this Examinates
hearing, and sayd, that she should haue Gould, Siluer, and worldly
Wealth, at her will.[B4_b_1] And at the same time she saith, there was
victuals, _viz._ Flesh, Butter, Cheese, Bread, and Drinke, and bidde
them eate enough. And after their eating, the Deuill called _Fancie_,
and the other Spirit calling himselfe _Tibbe_, carried the remnant
away: And she sayeth, that although they did eate, they were neuer the
fuller, nor better for the same; and that at their said Banquet, the
said Spirits gaue them light to see what they did, although they
neyther had fire nor Candle light; and that they were both shee
Spirites, and Diuels.
And being further examined how many sundry Person haue been bewitched
to death, and by whom they were so bewitched: She sayth, that one
_Robert Nuter_, late of the _Greene-head_ in _Pendle_, was bewitched
by this Examinate, the said _Demdike_, and Widdow _Lomshawe_, (late of
_Burneley_) now deceased.
And she further sayth, that the said _Demdike_ shewed her, that she
had bewitched to death, _Richard Ashton_, Sonne of _Richard Ashton_ of
_Downeham_ Esquire.[B4_b_2]
* * * * *
The Examination of Alizon
Deuice, of the Forrest of Pendle, in the County
of _Lancaster_ Spinster, taken at _Reade_ in the said
Countie of _Lancaster_, the xiij. day of
March, _Anno Regni Jacobi Angliæ, &c._
_Nono: et Scotiæ xlv._
Before _Roger Nowell_ of _Reade_ aforesayd Esquire, one of
his Maiesties Iustices of the Peace within the sayd
Countie, against _Elizabeth Sowtherns_, alias
_Demdike_ her Graund-mother.
_Viz._
The sayd _Alizon Deuice_ sayth, that about two yeares agon, her
Graund-mother (called _Elizabeth Sowtherns_, alias old _Demdike_) did
sundry times in going or walking togeather as they went begging,
perswade and aduise this Examinate to let a Deuill or Familiar appeare
vnto her; and that shee this Examinate, would let him sucke at some
part of her, and shee might haue, and doe what shee would.
And she further sayth, that one _Iohn Nutter_ of the _Bulhole_ in
_Pendle_ aforesaid, had a Cow which was sicke, & requested this
examinats Grand-mother to amend the said Cow; and her said
Graund-mother said she would, and so her said Graund-mother about ten
of the clocke in the night, desired this examinate to lead her foorth;
which this Examinate did, being then blind: and her Graund-mother did
remaine about halfe an houre foorth: and this Examinates sister did
fetch her in againe; but what she did when she was so foorth, this
Examinate cannot tell. But the next morning this Examinate heard that
the sayd Cow was dead. And this Examinate verily thinketh, that her
sayd Graund-mother did bewitch the sayd Cow to death.
And further, this Examinate sayth, that about two yeares agon, this
Examinate hauing gotten a Piggin full[C_b_] of blew Milke by begging,
brought it into the house of her Graund-mother, where (this Examinate
going foorth presently, and staying about halfe an houre) there was
Butter to the quantity of a quarterne of a pound in the said milke,
and the quantitie of the said milke still remayning; and her
Graund-mother had no Butter in the house when this Examinate went
foorth: duering which time, this Examinates Graund-mother still lay in
her bed.
And further this Examinate sayth, that _Richard Baldwin_ of _Weethead_
within the Forrest of _Pendle_, about 2. yeeres agoe, fell out with
this Examinates Graund-mother, & so would not let her come vpon his
Land: and about foure or fiue dayes then next after, her said
Graund-mother did request this Examinate to lead her foorth about ten
of the clocke in the night: which this Examinate accordingly did, and
she stayed foorth then about an houre, and this Examinates sister
fetched her in againe. And this Examinate heard the next morning, that
a woman Child of the sayd _Richard Baldwins_ was fallen sicke; and as
this Examinate did then heare, the sayd Child did languish afterwards
by the space of a yeare, or thereaboutes, and dyed: And this Examinate
verily thinketh, that her said Graund-mother did bewitch the sayd
Child to death.
And further, this Examinate sayth, that she heard her sayd
Graund-mother say presently after her falling out with the sayd
_Baldwin_, shee would pray for the sayd _Baldwin_ both still and
loude: and this Examinate heard her cursse the sayd _Baldwin_ sundry
times.
* * * * *
The Examination of _Iames Deuice_ of the Forrest of
_Pendle_, in the Countie of _Lancaster_ Labourer, taken the
27. day of April, _Annoq; Regni Regis Iacobi, Angliæ, &c._
_Decimo: ac Scotie Quadragesimo quinto_: Before
_Roger Nowell and Nicholas Banister, Esq._[C2_a_]
two of his Maiesties Iustices of Peace within
the sayd Countie.
The sayd Examinate _Iames Deuice_ sayth, that about a month agoe,
as this Examinate was comming towards his Mothers house, and at
day-gate of the same night, [Sidenote: _Euening_] this Examinate mette
a browne Dogge comming from his Graund-mothers house, about tenne
Roodes distant from the same house: and about two or three nights
after, that this Examinate heard a voyce of a great number of Children
screiking and crying pittifully, about day-light gate; and likewise,
about ten Roodes distant of this Examinates sayd Graund-mothers house.
And about fiue nights then next following, presently after daylight,
within 20. Roodes of the sayd _Elizabeth Sowtherns_ house, he heard a
foule yelling like vnto a great number of Cattes: but what they were,
this Examinate cannot tell. And he further sayth, that about three
nights after that, about midnight of the same, there came a thing, and
lay vpon him very heauily about an houre, and went then from him out
of his Chamber window, coloured blacke, and about the bignesse of a
Hare or Catte. And he further sayth, that about _S. Peter's_ day last,
one _Henry Bullocke_ came to the sayd _Elizabeth Sowtherns_ house, and
sayd, that her Graund-child _Alizon Deuice_, had bewitched a Child of
his, and desired her that she would goe with him to his house; which
accordingly she did: And therevpon she the said _Alizon_ fell downe on
her knees, & asked the said _Bullocke_ forgiuenes, and confessed to
him, that she had bewitched the said child, as this Examinate heard
his said sister confesse vnto him this Examinate.
[Illustration: decoration]
The Examination of Elizabeth
Deuice, Daughter of old Demdike, taken
at _Read_ before _Roger Nowell_ Esquire, one of
his Maiesties Iustices of Peace within the
Countie of _Lancaster_ the xxx. day
of March, _Annoq; Regni Jacobi_
_Decimo, ac Scotie xlv._
The sayd _Elizabeth Deuice_ the Examinate, sayth, that the sayd
_Elizabeth Sowtherns_, alias _Demdike_, hath had a place on her left
side by the space of fourty yeares, in such sort, as was to be seene
at this Examinates Examination taking, at this present time.
Heere this worthy Iustice M. _Nowell_, out of these particular
Examinations, or rather Accusations, finding matter to proceed; and
hauing now before him old _Demdike_, old _Chattox_, _Alizon Deuice_,
and _Redferne_ both old and young, _Reos confitentes, et Accusantes
Inuicem_. About the second of Aprill last past, committed and sent
them away to the Castle at _Lancaster_, there to remaine vntill the
comming of the Kinges Maiesties Iustices of Assise, then to receiue
their tryall.
But heere they had not stayed a weeke, when their Children and
Friendes being abroad at libertie, laboured a speciall meeting at
_Malking Tower_ in the Forrest of _Pendle_,[C3_a_] vpon Good-fryday,
within a weeke after they were committed, of all the most dangerous,
wicked, and damnable Witches in the County farre and neere. Vpon
Good-fryday they met, according to solemne appoyntment, solemnized
this great Feastiuall day according to their former order, with great
cheare, merry company, and much conference.
In the end, in this great Assemblie, it was decreed M. _Couell_ by
reason of his Office, shall be slaine before the next Assises: The
Castle of _Lancaster_ to be blowen vp, and ayde and assistance to be
sent to kill M. _Lister_, with his old Enemie and wicked Neighbour
_Iennet Preston_; with some other such like practices: as vpon their
Arraignement and Tryall, are particularly set foorth, and giuen in
euidence against them.
This was not so secret, but some notice of it came to M. _Nowell_, and
by his great paines taken in the Examination of _Iennet Deuice_, al
their practises are now made knowen. Their purpose to kill M.
_Couell_, and blow vp the Castle, is preuented. All their Murders,
Witchcraftes, Inchauntments, Charmes, & Sorceries, are discouered; and
euen in the middest of their consultations, they are all confounded,
and arrested by Gods Iustice: brought before M. _Nowell_, and M.
_Bannester_, vpon their voluntary confessions, Examinations, and other
Euidence accused, and so by them committed to the Castle: So as now
both old and young, haue taken vp their lodgings with M. _Couell_,
vntill the next Assises, expecting their Tryall and deliuerance,
according to the Lawes prouided for such like.
In the meane time, M. _Nowell_ hauing knowledge by this discouery of
their meeting at _Malkeing Tower_, and their resolution to execute
mischiefe, takes great paines to apprehend such as were at libertie,
and prepared Euidence against all such as were in question for
Witches.
Afterwardes sendes some of these Examinations, to the Assises at
Yorke, to be giuen in Evidence against _Iennet Preston_, who for the
murder of M. _Lister_, is condemned and executed.
The Circuite of the North partes being now almost ended.
The 16. of August.
Vpon Sunday in the after noone, my honorable Lords the Iudges of
Assise, came from _Kendall_ to _Lancaster_.
Wherevpon M. _Couell_, presented vnto their Lordships a Calender,
conteyning the Names of the Prisoners committed to his charge, which
were to receiue their Tryall at the Assises: Out of which, we are
onely to deale with the proceedings against Witches, which were as
followeth.
_Viz._
The Names of the
Witches committed to the
Castle of _Lancaster_.
_Elizabeth Sowtherns._ } Who dyed before
alias } shee
_Old Demdike._ } came to her tryall.
_Anne Whittle_, alias _Chattox._
_Elizabeth Deuice_, Daughter of old _Demdike._
_Iames Deuice_, Sonne of _Elizabeth Deuice._
_Anne Readfearne_, Daughter of _Anne Chattox._
_Alice Nutter._
_Katherine Hewytte._
_Iohn Bulcocke._
_Iane Bulcocke._
_Alizon Deuice_, Daughter of _Elizabeth Deuice._
_Isabell Robey._
_Magaret Pearson._
The Witches of Salmesbury.
_Iennet Bierley._ } { _Elizabeth Astley._
_Elen Bierley._ } { _Alice Gray._
_Iane Southworth._ } { _Isabell Sidegraues._
_Iohn Ramesden._ } { _Lawrence Haye._
The next day, being Monday, the 17. of August, were the Assises holden
in the Castle of _Lancaster_, as followeth.
* * * * *
Placita Coronæ.
[Sidenote: _Lanc. fss._]
_Deliberatio Gaolæ Domini Regis Castri fui Lancasstr. ac
Prisonarior[=u] in eadem existent. Tenta apud Lancastr. in com.
Lancastr. Die Lunæ, Decimo septimo die Augusti, Anno Regni Domini
nostri Iacobi dei gratia Anglicæ, Franciæ, et Hiberniæ, Regis fidei
defensoris; Decimo: et Scotiæ Quadragesimo sexto; Coram Iacobo Altham
Milit. vno Baronum Scaccarij Domini Regis, et Edwardo Bromley Milit.
altero Baronum eiusdem Scaccarij Domini Regis: ac Iustic. dicti Domini
Regis apud Lancastr._
Vpon the Tewesday in the after noone, the Iudges according to the
course and order, deuided them selues, where vpon my Lord _Bromley_,
one of his Maiesties Iudges of Assise comming into the Hall to
proceede with the Pleaes of the Crowne, & the Arraignement and Tryall
of Prisoners, commaunded a generall Proclamation, that all Iustices of
Peace that had taken any Recognisaunces, or Examinations of Prisoners,
should make Returne of them: And all such as were bound to prosecute
Indictmentes, and giue Euidence against Witches, should proceede, and
giue attendance: For hee now intended to proceede to the Arraignement
and Tryall of Witches.
After which, the Court being set, M. Sherieffe was commaunded to
present his Prisoners before his Lordship, and prepare a sufficient
Iurie of Gentlemen for life and death. But heere we want old
_Demdike_, who dyed in the Castle before she came to her
tryall.[C4_b_]
Heere you may not expect the exact order of the Assises, with the
Proclamations, and other solemnities belonging to so great a Court of
Iustice; but the proceedinges against the Witches, who are now vpon
their deliuerance here in order as they came to the Barre, with the
particular poyntes of Euidence against them: which is the labour and
worke we now intend (by Gods grace) to performe as we may, to your
generall contentment.
Wherevpon, the first of all these, _Anne Whittle_, alias
_Chattox_,[D_b_] was brought to the Barre: against whom wee are now
ready to proceed.
[Illustration: decoration]
The Arraignement and
Tryall of Anne Whittle, _alias_ Chattox,
of the Forrest of _Pendle_, in the Countie
of _Lancaster_, Widdow;
about the age of Fourescore
yeares, or thereaboutes.
_Anne Whittle_, alias _Chattox._
If in this damnable course of life, and offences, more horrible and
odious, then any man is able to expresse: any man lyuing could lament
the estate of any such like vpon earth: The example of this poore
creature, would haue moued pittie, in respect of her great contrition
and repentance, after she was committed to the Castle at _Lancaster_,
vntill the comming of his Maiesties Iudges of Assise. But such was the
nature of her offences, & the multitude of her crying sinnes, as it
tooke away all sense of humanity. And the repetition of her hellish
practises, and Reuenge; being the chiefest thinges wherein she alwayes
tooke great delight, togeather with a particular declaration of the
Murders shee had committed, layde open to the world, and giuen in
Euidence against her at the time of her Arraignement and Tryall; as
certainely it did beget contempt in the Audience, and such as she
neuer offended.
This _Anne Whittle_, alias _Chattox_, was a very old withered spent
and decreped creature, her sight almost gone: A dangerous Witch, of
very long continuance; alwayes opposite to old _Demdike_: For whom the
one fauoured, the other hated deadly: [Sidenote: _Her owne
examination_] and how they enuie and accuse one an other, in their
Examinations, may appeare.
In her Witchcraft, alwayes more ready to doe mischiefe to mens goods,
then themselues. Her lippes euer chattering and walking:[D2_a_1] but
no man knew what. She liued in the Forrest of _Pendle_, amongst this
wicked company of dangerous Witches. Yet in her Examination and
Confession, she dealt alwayes very plainely and truely: for vpon a
speciall occasion being oftentimes examined in open Court, shee was
neuer found to vary, but alwayes to agree in one, and the selfe same
thing.
I place her in order, next to that wicked fire-brand of mischiefe, old
_Demdike_, because from these two, sprung all the rest in
order:[D2_a_2] and were the Children and Friendes, of these two
notorious Witches.
Many thinges in the discouery of them, shall be very worthy your
obseruation. As the times and occasions to execute their mischiefe.
And this in generall: the Spirit could neuer hurt, till they gaue
consent.
And, but that it is my charge, to set foorth a particular Declaration
of the Euidence against them, vpon their Arraignement and Tryall; with
their Diuelish practises, consultations, meetings, and murders
committed by them, in such sort, as they were giuen in Euidence
against them; for the which, I shall haue matter vpon Record. I could
make a large Comentarie of them: But it is my humble duety, to obserue
the Charge and Commaundement of these my Honorable good Lordes the
Iudges of Assise, and not to exceed the limits of my Commission.
Wherefore I shall now bring this auncient Witch, to the due course of
her Tryall, in order. _viz._
Indictment.
This _Anne Whittle_, alias _Chattox_, of the Forrest of _Pendle_ in
the Countie of _Lancaster_ Widdow, being Indicted, for that shee
feloniously had practised, vsed, and exercised diuers wicked and
diuelish Artes called Witchcraftes, Inchauntmentes, Charmes, and
Sorceries, in and vpon one _Robert Nutter_ of _Greenehead_, in the
Forrest of _Pendle_, in the Countie of _Lanc_: and by force of the
same Witchcraft, feloniously the sayd _Robert Nutter_ had killed,
_Contra Pacem, &c._ Being at the Barre, was arraigned.
To this Indictment, vpon her Arraignement, shee pleaded, Not guiltie:
and for the tryall of her life, put her selfe vpon God and her
Country.
Wherevpon my Lord _Bromley_ commaunded M. Sheriffe of the County of
_Lancaster_ in open Court, to returne a Iurie of worthy sufficient
Gentlemen of vnderstanding, to passe betweene our soueraigne Lord the
Kinges Maiestie, and her, and others the Prisoners, vpon their liues
and deathes; as hereafter follow in order: who were afterwardes
sworne, according to the forme and order of the Court, the Prisoners
being admitted to their lawfull challenges.
Which being done, and the Prisoner at the Barre readie to receiue her
Tryall: M. _Nowell_, being the best instructed of any man, of all the
particular poyntes of Euidence against her, and her fellowes, hauing
taken great paynes in the proceedinges against her and her fellowes;
Humbly prayed, her owne voluntary Confession and Examination taken
before him, when she was apprehended and committed to the Castle of
_Lancaster_ for Witchcraft; might openly be published against her:
which hereafter followeth. _Viz._
* * * * *
The voluntary Confession and Examination of
_Anne Whittle_, alias _Chattox_, taken at the _Fence_ in the
Forrest of _Pendle_, in the Countie of _Lancaster_;
Before _Roger Nowell Esq_, one of the
Kinges Maiesties Iustices of Peace
in the Countie of Lancaster.
Viz.
The sayd _Anne Whittle_, alias _Chattox_, vpon her Examination,
voluntarily confesseth, and sayth, That about foureteene or fifteene
yeares agoe, a thing like a Christian man for foure yeares togeather,
did sundry times come to this Examinate, and requested this Examinate
to giue him her Soule: And in the end, this Examinate was contented to
giue him her sayd Soule, shee being then in her owne house, in the
Forrest of _Pendle_; wherevpon the Deuill then in the shape of a Man,
sayd to this Examinate: Thou shalt want nothing; and be reuenged of
whom thou list. And the Deuill then further commaunded this
Examinate, to call him by the name of _Fancie_;[D3_a_] and when she
wanted any thing, or would be reuenged of any, call on _Fancie_, and
he would be ready. And the sayd Spirit or Deuill, did appeare vnto her
not long after, in mans likenesse, and would haue had this Examinate
to haue consented, that he might hurt the wife of _Richard Baldwin_ of
_Pendle_;[D3_b_1] But this Examinate would not then consent vnto him:
For which cause, the sayd Deuill would then haue bitten her by the
arme; and so vanished away, for that time.
And this Examinate further sayth, that _Robert Nutter_[D3_b_2] did
desire her Daughter one _Redfearns_ wife, to haue his pleasure of her,
being then in _Redfearns_ house: but the sayd _Redfearns_ wife denyed
the sayd _Robert_; wherevpon the sayd _Robert_ seeming to be greatly
displeased therewith, in a great anger tooke his Horse, and went away,
saying in a great rage, that if euer the Ground came to him, shee
should neuer dwell vpon his Land. Wherevpon this Examinate called
_Fancie_ to her; who came to her in the likenesse of a Man in a
parcell of Ground called, _The Laund_; asking this Examinate, what
shee would haue him to doe? And this Examinate bade him goe reuenge
her of the sayd _Robert Nutter_. After which time, the sayd _Robert
Nutter_ liued about a quarter of a yeare, and then dyed.
And this Examinate further sayth, that _Elizabeth Nutter_, wife to old
_Robert Nutter_, did request this Examinate, and _Loomeshaws_ wife of
_Burley_, and one _Iane Boothman_, of the same, who are now both dead,
(which time of request, was before that _Robert Nutter_ desired the
company of _Redfearns_ wife) to get young _Robert Nutter_ his death,
if they could; all being togeather then at that time, to that end,
that if _Robert_ were dead, then the Women their Coosens might haue
the Land: By whose perswasion, they all consented vnto it. After which
time, this Examinates Sonne in law _Thomas Redfearne_, did perswade
this Examinate, not to kill or hurt the sayd _Robert Nutter_; for
which perswasion, the sayd _Loomeshaws_ Wife, had like to haue killed
the sayd _Redfearne_, but that one M. _Baldwyn_ (the late
Schoole-maister at _Coulne_) did by his learning, stay the sayd
_Loomeshaws_ wife, and therefore had a Capon from _Redfearne_.[D4_a_]
And this Examinate further sayth, that she thinketh the sayd
_Loomeshaws_ wife, and _Iane Boothman_, did what they could to kill
the sayd _Robert Nutter_, as well as this Examinate did.
* * * * *
_The Examination of_ ELIZABETH
SOTHERNES, alias OLD DEMBDIKE: _taken at
the Fence in the Forrest of Pendle in the Countie of Lancaster,
the day and yeare aforesaid._
Before,
ROGER NOWEL _Esquire, one of the Kings Maiesties
Iustices of Peace in the said Countie, against_ ANNE
WHITTLE, alias CHATTOX.
The said _Elizabeth Southernes_ saith vpon her Examination, that
about halfe a yeare before _Robert Nutter_ died, as this Examinate
thinketh, this Examinate went to the house of _Thomas Redfearne_,
which was about Mid-sommer, as this Examinate remembreth it. And there
within three yards of the East end of the said house, shee saw the
said _Anne Whittle_, alias _Chattox_, and _Anne Redferne_ wife of the
said _Thomas Redferne_, and Daughter of the said _Anne Whittle_, alias
_Chattox_: the one on the one side of the Ditch, and the other on the
other: and two Pictures of Clay or Marle lying by them: and the third
Picture the said _Anne Whittle_, alias _Chattox_, was making: and the
said _Anne Redferne_ her said Daughter, wrought her Clay or Marle to
make the third picture withall. And this Examinate passing by them,
the said Spirit, called _Tibb_, in the shape of a black Cat, appeared
vnto her this Examinate, and said, turne back againe, and doe as they
doe: To whom this Examinate said, what are they doing? whereunto the
said Spirit said; they are making three Pictures: whereupon she asked
whose pictures they were? whereunto the said Spirit said; they are
the pictures of _Christopher Nutter_, _Robert Nutter_, and _Marie_,
wife of the said _Robert Nutter_: But this Examinate denying to goe
back to helpe them to make the Pictures aforesaid; the said Spirit
seeming to be angrie, therefore shoue or pushed this Examinate into
the ditch, and so shed the Milke which this Examinate had in a Can or
Kit: and so thereupon the Spirit at that time vanished out of this
Examinates sight: But presently after that, the said Spirit appeared
to this Examinate againe in the shape of a Hare, and so went with her
about a quarter of a mile, but said nothing to this Examinate, nor
shee to it.
* * * * *
_The Examination and euidence of_ IAMES
ROBINSON,[E_b_1] _taken the day and yeare aforesaid._