Decline: fraudulent case

Question 1

When was the Jane Wenham case?

Answer 1

1712

Question 2

Evidence for the Jane Wenham case?

Answer 2

• Wise woman –> reputation of being a witch “wise woman of Walkern”
• Falsely accused of bewitching Matthew Gilson - when compensation wasn’t enoguh, she cast a curse
• Judge Powell is sceptical & secures her a Royal Pardon (despite being found guilty by jury)

Question 3

RC for Jane Wenham case?

Answer 3

• Changing veiws of judges - e.g. John Holt acquitting 11 witches
• -> Famous case: Sarah Murdoch 1701 - acquitted her & accuser on trial, sentenced to 1yr prison
• Changing view within legal system - from influential people

Question 4

Impact of Jane Wenham case?

Did have an impact

Answer 4

• Francis Hutchinson - 1718, book ‘An Historican Essay Concerning Witchcraft’ –> case led to this book
• Judge pardoned her despite guilty verdict –> willingness of law to embrace reason in the face of mob hysteria

Question 5

Impact of Jane Wenham case?

Didn’t have an impact

Answer 5

• Prosecutions had already been declining from around 1660 –> not turning point, part of rapid changes in attitudes
• Jury still condemned Wenham –> small rural communities had not adopted same attitudes

Question 6

Link of Jane Wenham case?

Answer 6

Resonated change - inspiring other thinkers e.g. Francis Hutchinson, however to a limited no. people

Ideas already present - tells us scepticism already present