_Sir_ THOMAS GERRARD _Knight, and Barronet. One
of his Maiesties Iustices of the Peace within the said
Countie._
The said Examinate vpon his Oath saith, That before his Marriage
hee heard say that the said _Isabel Robey_ was not pleased that hee
should marrie his now wife: whereupon this Examinate called the said
_Isabel_ Witch, and said that hee did not care for her. Then within
two dayes next after this Examinate was sore pained in his bones: And
this Examinate hauing occasion to meete Master _Iohn Hawarden_ at
Peaseley Crosse, wished one _Thomas Lyon_ to goe thither with him,
which they both did so; but as they came home-wards, they both were in
euill case. But within a short time after, this Examinate and the said
_Thomas Lyon_ were both very well amended.
And this Examinate further saith, that about foure yeares last past,
his now wife was angrie with the said _Isabel_, shee then being in his
house, and his said Wife thereupon went out of the house, and
presently after that the said _Isabel_ went likewise out of the house
not well pleased, as this Examinate then did thinke, and presently
after vpon the same day, this Examinate with his said wife working in
the Hay, a paine and a starknesse fell into the necke of this Examinat
which grieued him very sore; wherup[=o] this Examinat sent to one
_Iames_ a Glouer, which then dwelt in Windle, and desired him to pray
for him, and within foure or fiue dayes next after this Examinate did
mend very well. Neuerthelesse this Examinate during the same time was
very sore pained, and so thirstie withall, and hot within his body,
that hee would haue giuen any thing hee had, to haue slaked his
thirst, hauing drinke enough in the house, and yet could not drinke
vntill the time that the said _Iames_ the Glouer came to him, and this
Examinate then said before the said Glouer, I would to God that I
could drinke, where upon the said Glouer said to this Examinate, take
that drinke, and in the name of the _Father_, the _Sonne_, and the
_Holy Ghost_, drinke it, saying; The Deuill and Witches are not able
to preuaile against GOD and his Word, whereupon this Examinate then
tooke the glasse of drinke, and did drinke it all, and afterwards
mended very well, and so did continue in good health, vntill our Ladie
day in Lent was twelue moneth or thereabouts, since which time this
Examinate saith, that hee hath beene sore pained with great warch in
his bones,[T3_b_] and all his limmes, and so yet continueth, and this
Examinate further saith, that his said warch and paine came to him
rather by meanes of the said _Isabel Robey_, then otherwise, as he
verily thinketh.
* * * * *
_The Examination of_ IANE WILKINSON,
_Wife of_ FRANCIS WILKINSON, _of Windle aforesaid:
Taken before the said Sir_ THOMAS GERRARD,
_Knight and Barronet, the day and place aforesaid.
Against the said_ ISABEL ROBEY.
The said Examinate vpon her oath saith, that vpon a time the said
_Isabel Robey_ asked her milke, and shee denied to giue her any: And
afterwards shee met the said _Isabel_, whereupon this Examinate waxed
afraid of her, and was then presently sick, and so pained that shee
could not stand, and the next day after this Examinate going to
Warrington, was suddenly pinched on her Thigh as shee thought, with
foure fingers & a Thumbe twice together, and thereupon was sicke, in
so much as shee could not get home but on horse-backe, yet soone after
shee did mend.
* * * * *
_The Examination of_ MARGARET
LYON _wife of_ THOMAS LYON _the yonger, of
Windle aforesaid: Taken before the said Sir_ THOMAS
GERRARD, _Knight and Barronet, the day and place aforesaid.
Against the said_ ISABEL ROBEY.
The said _Margaret Lyon_ vpon her Oath saith, that vpon a time
_Isabel Robey_ came into her house and said that _Peter Chaddock_
should neuer mend vntill he had asked her forgiuenesse; and that shee
knew hee would neuer doe: whereupon this Examinate said, how doe you
know that, for he is a true Christian, and hee would aske all the
world forgiuenesse? then the said _Isabel_ said, that is all one, for
hee will neuer aske me forgiuenesse, therefore hee shall neuer mend;
And this Examinate further saith, that shee being in the house of the
said _Peter Chaddock_, the wife of the said _Peter_, who is
God-Daughter of the said _Isabel_, and hath in times past vsed her
companie much, did affirme, that the said _Peter_ was now satisfied,
that the said _Isabel Robey_ was no Witch, by sending to one
_Halseworths_, which they call a wiseman,[T4_b_1] and the wife of the
said _Peter_ then said, to abide vpon it,[T4_b_2] I thinke that my
Husband will neuer mend vntill hee haue asked her forgiuenesse, choose
him whether hee will bee angrie or pleased, for this is my opinion: to
which he answered, when he did need to aske her forgiuenesse, he
would, but hee thought hee did not need, for any thing hee knew: and
yet this Examinate further saith, That the said _Peter Chaddock_ had
very often told her, that he was very afraid that the said _Isabel_
had done him much hurt; and that he being fearefull to meete her, he
hath turned backe at such time as he did meet her alone, which the
said _Isabel_ hath since then affirmed to be true, saying, that hee
the said _Peter_ did turne againe when he met her in the Lane.
* * * * *
_The Examination of_ MARGARET
PARRE _wife of_ HVGH PARRE _of Windle aforesaid,
Taken before the said Sir_ THOMAS GERARD
_Knight and Baronet, the day and place aforesaid. Against
the said_ ISABEL ROBEY.
The said Examinate vpon her oath saith, that vpon a time, the said
_Isabel Robey_ came to her house, and this Examinate asked her how
_Peter Chaddock_ did, And the said _Isabel_ answered shee knew not,
for shee went not to see, and then this Examinate asked her how _Iane
Wilkinson_ did, for that she had beene lately sicke and suspected to
haue beene bewitched: then the said _Isabel_ said twice together, I
haue bewitched her too: and then this Examinate said that shee trusted
shee could blesse her selfe from all Witches and defied them; and then
the said _Isabel_ said twice together, would you defie me? &
afterwards the said _Isabel_ went away not well pleased.
Here the Gentlemen of the last Iurie of Life and Death hauing taken
great paines, the time being farre spent, and the number of the
Prisoners great, returned into the Court to deliuer vp their Verdict
against them as followeth. _viz._
* * * * *
_The Verdict of Life and
Death._
Who vpon their Oathes found the said _Isabel Robey_ guiltie of the
Fellonie by Witch-craft, contained in the Indictment against her. And
_Margaret Pearson_ guiltie of the offence by Witch-craft, contained in
the Indictment against her.
Whereupon Master _Couell_ was commaunded by the Court in the
afternoone to bring forth all the Prisoners that stood Conuicted, to
receiue their Iudgment of Life and Death.
For his Lordship now intended to proceed to a finall dispatch of the
Pleas of the Crowne. And heere endeth the Arraignement and Triall of
the Witches at Lancaster.
Thus at the length haue we brought to perfection this intended
Discouery of Witches, with the Arraignement and Triall of euery one of
them in order, by the helpe of Almightie God, and this Reuerend Iudge;
the Lanterne from whom I haue received light to direct me in this
course to the end. And as in the beginning, I presented vnto their
view a Kalender containing the names of all the witches: So now I
shall present vnto you in the conclusion and end, such as stand
conuicted, and come to the Barre to receiue the iudgement of the Law
for their offences, and the proceedings of the Court against such as
were acquitted, and found not guiltie: with the religious Exhortation
of this Honorable Iudge, as eminent in gifts and graces, as in place
and preeminence, which I may lawfully affirme without base flattery
(the canker of all honest and worthie minds) drew the eyes and
reuerend respect of all that great Audience present, to heare their
Iudgement, and the end of these proceedings.
* * * * *
_The Prisoners being brought to the Barre._
The Court commanded three solemne Proclamations for silence, vntill
Iudgement for Life and Death were giuen.
Whereupon I presented to his Lordship the names of the Prisoners in
order, which were now to receiue their Iudgement.
* * * * *
¶ The names of the Prisoners at the
_Barre to receiue their Judgement_
of Life and Death.
_Anne Whittle_, alias
_Chattox._
_Elizabeth Deuice._
_James Deuice._
_Anne Redferne._
_Alice Nutter._
_Katherine Hewet_,
_John Bulcock._
_Jane Bulcock._
_Alizon Deuice._
_Isabel Robey._
[Illustration: decoration]
THE IVDGEMENT
OF THE RIGHT HONORABLE
Sir EDWARD BROMLEY, Knight, one
_of his Maiesties Iustices of Assize at Lancaster
vpon the Witches conuicted_,
as followeth.
_There is no man aliue more vnwilling to pronounce this wofull and
heauy Iudgement against you, then my selfe: and if it were possible, I
would to God this cup might passe from me. But since it is otherwise
prouided, that after all proceedings of the Law, there must be a
Iudgement; and the Execution of that Iudgement must succeed and follow
in due time: I pray you haue patience to receiue that which the Law
doth lay vpon you. You of all people haue the least cause to
complaine: since in the Triall of your liues there hath beene great
care and paines taken, and much time spent: and very few or none of
you, but stand conuicted vpon your owne voluntarie confessions and
Examinations_, Ex ore proprio. _Few Witnesses examined against you,
but such as were present, and parties in your Assemblies. Nay I may
further affirme, What persons of your nature and condition, euer were
Arraigned and Tried with more solemnitie, had more libertie giuen to
pleade or answere to euerie particular point of Euidence against you?
In conclusion such hath beene the generall care of all, that had to
deale with you, that you haue neither cause to be offended in the
proceedings of the Iustices, that first tooke paines in these
businesses, nor with the Court that hath had great care to giue
nothing in euidence against you, but matter of fact; Sufficient matter
vpon Record, and not to induce or leade the Iurie to finde any one of
you guiltie vpon matter of suspition or presumption, nor with the
witnesses who haue beene tried, as it were in the fire: Nay, you
cannot denie but must confesse what extraordinarie meanes hath beene
vsed to make triall of their euidence, and to discouer the least
intended practice in any one of them, to touch your liues vniustly._
_As you stand simply (your offences and bloudie practises not
considered) your fall would rather moue compassion, then exasperate
any man. For whom would not the ruine of so many poore creatures at
one time, touch, as in apparance simple, and of little vnderstanding?_
_But the bloud of those innocent children, and others his Maiesties
Subiects, whom cruelly and barbarously you haue murdered, and cut off,
with all the rest of your offences, hath cryed out vnto the Lord
against you, and sollicited for satisfaction and reuenge, and that
hath brought this heauie iudgement vpon you at this time._
_It is therefore now time no longer wilfully to striue, both against
the prouidence of God, and the Iustice of the Land: the more you
labour to acquit your selues, the more euident and apparant you make
your offences to the World. And vnpossible it is that they shall
either prosper or continue in this World, or receiue reward in the
next, that are stained with so much innocent bloud._
_The worst then I wish to you, standing at the Barre conuicted, to
receiue your Iudgement, is, Remorse, and true Repentance, for the
safegard of your Soules, and after, an humble, penitent, and heartie
acknowledgement of your grieuous sinnes and offences committed both
against_ GOD _and Man._
_First, yeeld humble and heartie thankes to Almightie_ GOD _for taking
hold of you in your beginning, and making stay of your intended
bloudie practises (although_ GOD _knowes there is too much done
alreadie) which would in time have cast so great a weight of Iudgement
vpon your Soules._
_Then praise_ GOD _that it pleased him not to surprize or strike you
suddenly, euen in the execution of your bloudie Murthers, and in the
middest of your wicked practises, but hath giuen you time, and takes
you away by a iudiciall course and triall of the Law._
_Last of all, craue pardon of the World, and especially of all such as
you haue iustly offended, either by tormenting themselues, children,
or friends, murder of their kinsfolks, or losse of any their goods._
_And for leauing to future times the president of so many barbarous
and bloudie murders, with such meetings, practises, consultations, and
meanes to execute reuenge, being the greatest part of your comfort in
all your actions, which may instruct others to hold the like course,
or fall in the like sort:_
_It only remaines I pronounce the Iudgement of the Court against you
by the Kings authoritie, which is;_ You shall all goe from hence to
the Castle, from whence you came; from thence you shall bee carried to
the place of Execution for this Countie: where your bodies shall bee
hanged vntill you be dead; AND GOD HAVE MERCIE VPON YOVR SOVLES; For
your comfort in this world I shall commend a learned and worthie
Preacher to instruct you, and prepare you, for an other World: All I
can doe for you is to pray for your Repentance in this World, for the
satisfaction of many; And forgiuenesse in the next world, for sauing
of your Soules. And God graunt you may make good vse of the time you
haue in this world, to his glorie and your owne comfort.
_Margaret Pearson._
The Iudgement of the Court against you, is, You shall stand vpon
the Pillarie in open Market, at _Clitheroe_, _Paddiham_, _Whalley_,
and _Lancaster_, foure Market dayes, with a Paper vpon your head, in
great Letters, declaring your offence, and there you shall confesse
your offence, and after to remaine in Prison for one yeare without
Baile, and after to be bound with good Sureties, to be of the good
behauiour.
* * * * *
_To the Prisoners found not guiltie_
by the IVRIES.
_Elizabeth Astley._
_John Ramsden._
_Alice Gray._
_Isabel Sidegraues._
_Lawrence Hay._[X_a_]
_To you that are found not guiltie, and are by the Law to bee
acquited, presume no further of your Innocencie then you haue just
cause: for although it pleased God out of his Mercie, to spare you at
this time, yet without question there are amongst you, that are as
deepe in this Action, as any of them that are condemned to die for
their offences: The time is now for you to forsake the Deuill:
Remember how, and in what sort hee hath dealt with all of you: make
good vse of this great mercie and fauour: and pray unto God you fall
not againe: For great is your happinesse to haue time in this World,
to prepare your selues against the day when you shall appeare before
the Great Iudge of all._
_Notwithstanding, the iudgement of the Court, is_, You shall all enter
Recognizances with good sufficient Suerties, to appeare at the next
Assizes at Lancaster, and in the meane time to be of the good
behauiour. All I can say to you:
_Jennet Bierley_,
_Ellen Bierley_,
_Jane Southworth_, is, That GOD hath deliuered you beyond expectation,
I pray GOD you may vse this mercie and fauour well; and take heed you
fall not hereafter: And so the Court doth order you shall be
deliuered.
What more can bee written or published of the proceedings of this
honourable Court: but to conclude with the Execution of the
Witches,[X_b_] who were executed the next day following at the common
place of Execution, neare vnto Lancaster. Yet in the end giue mee
leaue to intreate some fauour that haue beene afraid to speake vntill
my worke were finished. If I haue omitted any thing materiall, or
published any thing imperfect, excuse me for that I haue done: It was
a worke imposed vpon me by the Iudges, in respect I was so wel
instructed in euery particular. In hast I haue vndertaken to finish it
in a busie Tearme amongst my other imploiments.
My charge was to publish the proceedings of Iustice, and matter of
Fact, wherein I wanted libertie to write what I would, and am limited
to set forth nothing against them, but matter vpon Record, euen in
their owne Countrie tearmes, which may seeme strange. And this I hope
will giue good satisfaction to such as vnderstand how to iudge of a
businesse of this nature. Such as haue no other imploiment but to
question other mens Actions, I leaue them to censure what they please,
It is no part of my profession to publish any thing in print, neither
can I paint in extraordinarie tearmes.[X2_a_] But if this discouerie
may serue for your instruction, I shall thinke my selfe very happie in
this Seruice, and so leaue it to your generall censure.
_Da veniam Ignoto non displicuisse meretur,
Festinat studÿs qui placuisse tibi._
[Illustration: decoration]
* * * * *
_THE_
ARRAIGNEMENT
AND TRIALL OF
IENNET PRESTON, OF
GISBORNE IN CRAVEN,
in the Countie of Yorke.
At the Assises and Generall Gaole-_Deliuerie_
_holden at the Castle of Yorke_
in the Countie of Yorke, the xxvij. day of
Iuly last past, _Anno Regni Regis_ IACOBI
_Angliæ, &c. Decimo, & Scotiæ
quadragesimo quinto._