Fraudulent Cases: Jane Wenham, 1712 Flashcards
What was she known as?
She was known as the “Wise woman of Walkern” - had a long held reputation as a witch.
How old was she?
70.
Was this the first story about Wenham?
No, stories of her witchcraft had circulated before 1712.
Eg, She bewitched a farm labourer for not giving her straw. Her curse meant he went around begging for straw and stuffing manure down his shirt. Wenham reported the employer for making this allegation public - he was fined 1 shilling. However, Jane wasn’t satisfied and promised justice in another way - farmer’s daughter and livestock fell ill.
Where did the main case stem from?
A complaint made by Anne Thorne (aged 16).
Anne accused Wenham of what?
Bewitching her:
- Suffered from fits, hallucinations of the devil with cat faces, and vomit pins.
Who was Anne’s employer?
A clergyman, George Gardner.
Why did Gardner’s wife suspect witchcraft?
When Anne was left alone for a few minutes, she ran a mile to collect sticks.
Gardner’s wife then saw Wenham emerge in the doorway when she put the sticks on the fire.
Why was Wenham arrested?
Allegations against her were verified by other locals.
Was a Devil Mark found on Wenham?
No.
How come the trial continued after no mark was found?
Because Wenham gave a full confession. However, she claimed she only practiced harmless magic.
What could the accusers only agree on despite her confession?
Despite her confession, they could only agree on the charge of her conversing with the devil in the shape of a cat.
How many witnesses were there and what evidence was found?
16 people called as witnesses.
An ointment, allegedly made of human fat, was found beneath her pillow.
What did Wenham stumble over?
The Lord’s Prayer.
Did the stumble seal her fate as guilty?
No. Judge John Powell had been sceptical from the beginning - she was accused of flying but he claimed there was no law against that.
Who found her guilty?
The Jury.
However, did she ever go to prison?
No, the judge secured a royal pardon whereby she could live somewhere else.
She was offered a cottage by a Whig politician, and died in 1730.
Why was she found guilty and then acquitted?
- The case happened at a time when convictions were low.
2. Powell was unimpressed by evidence and witnesses.
Why is it surprising that she was found guilty and why may she have been found guilty?
Conviction were low.
It must have been a local issue: as a dissenter, 3 clergy witnesses would have wanted to show the power of the CofE. She was poor whereas her accusers were wealthy.
What aided Powell in his verdict?
As an outsider, he could approach the case rationally without being swayed by prior intuitions.
He could identify the personal grudges against Wenham.
What was this case the last of?
This was the last formal witch trial in England.
What was this case mentioned in?
Hutchinson’s 1718 sceptical publication.
What shows its impact?
- The judge ridiculed the evidence - the clash between the law and the people was well-publicised.
- Last guilty verdict in England.
However, what could we say does not show an impact on decline?
- Some writers after 1712 still showed support for the belief in witchcraft - eg, John Wesley.
- Prosecutions had been in decline for a while - this was a consequence, not a turning point.
- The jury convicting her shows that the scepticism of the intellectuals had not been adopted by rural folk.
