decline in the belief of witchcraft: fraudulent cases Flashcards
The impact of the Boy of Burton case, 1597:
how widespread was the impact of the case in england
The case did provoke change within the church -
in 1604 forbidding the practice of exorcism without a license -
although this change is not in itself evidence of skepticism, it is more likely the Church was simply taking steps to protect its reputation.
The impact of the Boy of Burton case, 1597:
how did this case influence scepticism about excorcism?
a well-known exorcist was proved to have been committing fraudulent practices, and this may have influenced scepticism about exorcism itself.
The impact of the Boy of Burton case, 1597:
how widespread was the case in europe
A Discovery of the Fraudulent Practises of John Darrel (1599) made knowledge of the case more widespread and lead to the pamphlet war - a theological debate that centred around the power of the Devil and the reliability of exorcisms.
The impact of the Boy of Burton case, 1597:
limit of the impact overall
The Boy of Burton case did not lead to an overall disbelief in witchcraft, the case was viewed more as a one-off discovery of fraudulence
- overall belief in witches and exorcism continued. - e.g. 1604 Act, which actually showed an increase in the legal severity of witchcraft.
The impact of the Pendle Swindle, 1634:
The involvement of the Privy Council and King Charles shows the case gained relevance amongst the powerful elites
- may have influenced the skepticism of the King.
The impact of the Pendle Swindle, 1634:
It resonated with thinkers and they published books in direct response to the case
John Webster personally met Robinson, he was influenced by the case and went on to write an influential sceptical publication on witchcraft in 1677.
What is the name of the accuser in the Pendle Swindle case? *
Edmund Robinson
best evaluation of the impact of sceptical publications on the witch craze between 1580-1750?
The skeptic publications reflect a changing understanding amongst the educated and elite, rather than the ordinary person. Historians later argued that, Bekker specifically, struck at the heart of witch craze by destroying belief in the devil. Earlier publications had very little impact in this way, even accepting that witches did exist. It could also be argued that these publications were driven by the simultaneously changing intellectual context on science and understanding. It is possible therefore the impact of the publications would have been even more limited without these new ideas.
summary of the Boy of Burton fraudulent case. *
Thomas Darling accused Alice Goodridge of bewitching him, 13 other potential witches were picked out in the investigation. John Darrell was brought in to exorcise Thomas Darling of the curse but attracted suspicion because of his reputation. Afterward, Darling admitted that he had lied about the accusation. Darling and Darrel were imprisoned.
Which fraudulent case takes place in 1662? *
The Demon Drummer of Tedworth
Which fraudulent case takes place in 1597? *
the boy of burton case
Which fraudulent case takes place in 1634
the pendle swindle
Which fraudulent case takes place in 1712
jane wenham
