Decline - Re-establishment of traditional authority

Question 1

When did the majority of fighting cease?

Answer 1

• May 1646
• Following Charles surrender to the Scots at Newark

Question 2

How did the end of the civil war affect East Anglia?

Answer 2

• Re-establish traditional authority
• Safe enough to receive the assize judges more regularly
• No need for Hopkin or Stearne.
• Although parliament rule - some royalist gentry returned to estates and began punishing tenants
• Officers less fearful - no need for scapegoats

Question 3

Explain two cases that show the traditional authority was restored in East Anglia

Answer 3

1. Hopkins in King’s Lynn - Evidence against 9. Judge Miles Corbett (found multiple guilty the year before) - 7 acquitted - Hopkin received £2
2. 3 accused at assize court at Ely - Judge john Godbold - all acquitted

Question 4

What did the Norfolk assize do in 1647?

Answer 4

• Judges given questions compiled by a number of leading gentry - had an issue with aspects of the witch-hunt
• Questions influenced by scepticism of John Gaule’s book.

Question 5

Give some examples of sceptical questions that were aimed at Hopkins following John Gaules publication

Answer 5

• Was Hopkins himself a witch?
• Did Hopkins meet with the devil?
• Where did Hopkins acquire his skills?
• Why did Hopkins insist in using the illegal swimming test?

These questions Hopkin address in his book “Discovery of Witches” 1647