The Boy of Burton Case in more detail

Question 1

Why was Alice Goodridge accused?

Answer 1

Thomas Darling accused her of causing hallucinations and fits, claiming she had bewitched him in the woods; a Dr. confirmed this.

Question 2

What was the role of John Darrel?

Answer 2

Anglican clergyman w/v. Puritan views who also did exorcisms. Alice lost ability to speak due to a fit b4 she could exercise Darling, so he stepped in to exorcise him through fasting and prayer.

Question 3

What happened after the accusation?

Answer 3

Alice died in prison, Darrell ‘exorcised’ Darling through fasting and prayer. Attracted suspicion due to Darrell’s background.

Question 4

What happened in London?

Answer 4

Darling and Darrell later confessed the case was fraudulent when called to London to testify. Both imprisoned for a year.

Question 5

When was the case?

Answer 5

1597

Question 6

What was the impact of Darrell and Darling being involved in the case?

Answer 6

• Darrell’s rep lent significance- famous exorcist proved to be fraud, may have influenced scepticism about exorcism
• Reveal of Darling’s lie- proved evidence witness testimonies=unreliable. Proved kids- thought of as innocent- capable of lies. Early dent in thought of how wise it was to accept kids’ testimonies.

Question 7

What was the impact of the case?

Answer 7

• Archbishop of Canterbury got involved- most senior bishop in CofE- shows gravity of case
• Case led to change in church- canon drawn up in 1604- forbid exorcism w/o licence; more likely Church was protecting its rep rather than growth of scepticism

Question 8

A pamphlet was published in 1599 that discussed how the case was a fraud. What was the impact of this?

Answer 8

‘A Discovery of the Fraudulent Practices of John Darrel’ made knowledge of case more widespread, led to pamphlet war- theological debate centred around power of Devil, reliability of exorcisms.

Question 9

How was the impact of the case limited?

Answer 9

• Didn’t lead to overall disbelief in witchcraft, case viewed as one-off discovery of fraudulence; overall belief in witches+exorcism continued e.g. 1604 Act showed higher legal severity
• Key debate- validity of exorcism, not witchcraft- seen in pamphlet war created by ‘A Discovery of…’