Fraudulent Cases -

Question 1

Date + Explanation:

. The Boy of Burton Fraudulent Case -

Answer 1

1597 -
Alice Goodridge is accused of causing hallucinations by Thomas Darling- a doctor confirms this. John Darrell is brought into exorcise Darling (remove the demon). During trial, Darling confesses the case is fraudulent- Darling and Darrell are imprisoned for a year.

Question 2

Date + Explanation:

. The Pendle Swindle Case -

Answer 2

1634 -
Edmund Robinson accuses Jennett Device of participating in a Sabbatt, a hunt is organised and 17 more are accused. The magistrate is sceptical and refers the case to London- the evidence is questioned (use of sleep deprivation) and Robinson admits to fraud.

Question 3

Date + Explanation:

. The Demon Drummer of Tedworth Case -

Answer 3

1662 -
Drury used a drum to raise money for the poor, he was accused for using it to cast spells over houses, an investigation supports the accusation. Drury is deported for theft, and the disturbances stop immediately. Manages to escape when the ship he was on encounters storms.

Question 4

Date + Explanation:

. The Jane Wenham Case -

Answer 4

1712 -
Jane Wenham was a wise woman, with a reputation for being a witch. She was falsely accused of bewitching someone, and when her compensation wasn’t enough she cast a curse, 16 people support different accusations. The judge at trial is sceptical about the case, and recommends she is found innocent.