The impact of Fraudulent cases (T1) Flashcards
How did Darrell’s reputation help the Boy of Burton case’s significance?
Darrell was a well-known exorcist, him being proved to have committed fraudulent practices made it very well known.
This may have influenced scepticism about the exorcism itself.
What impact did Darling’s lie have on the Boy of Burton case?
It meant testimonies were unreliable, also proves that children no matter their innocence could lie.
Was an early dent in the thought of surrounding how wise it was to accept the testimonies of children
What influential character was also involved in the Boy of Burton case?
The Archbishop of Canterbury - the most senior bishop in England.
Did the Boy of Burton case provoke changes within the church?
Yes: a canon was drawn up in 1604 forbidding the practises of exorcism without a license
This change was not in itself evidence of scepticism, it is more likely the church wanted to keep its reputation.
What were the effects of the “Discovery of the Fraudulent Practices of John Darrell (1599)” ?
Made knowledge of the case more widespread & lead to the pamphlet war
Did the Boy of Burton case lead to a disbelief in magic?
No - the case was viewed more as a one-off discovery of fraudulence overall belief in witches & witchcraft continued
e.g. 1604 Act, which actually showed an increase in the severity of witchcraft.
What was the key debate over the Boy of Burton case?
Was about validity of exorcism, rather than witchcraft
As can be seen in the pamphlet war created by publication of Samuel Harsnett’s “A discoverie of the Fraudulent Practices of John Darrell”
Which influential characters got involved with the Pendle Swindle case?
The privy council and King Charles shows the case gains relevance amongst the powerful elites - may have influenced the scepticism on the King.
In the context of the Pendle Swindle case, were there many witchcraft prosecutions in the 1630s?
No, very few prosecutions took place.
What did the evidence based approach to witchcraft do to beliefs during the Pendle Swindle case?
Through further questioning and the involvement of surgeons, does reveal a more careful, sceptical approach to witchcraft trials and developing.
Was there scepticism about Robinson’s claims throughout the entire Pendle Swindle case?
Yes.
What did the Pendle Swindle case prove?
The trial proved that witchcraft accusations can be motivated by reasons that have nothing to do with the supernatural, and accusers should be viewed sceptically.
Who, why and when was a publication made about the Robinson’s case - Pendle Swindle Case?
John Websters personally met Robinson, he was influenced by the case and went on to write and influential sceptical publication on witchcraft in 1677.
What was the pamphlet war?
A theological debate which centred around the power of the Devil and the reliability of exorcisms.
Who were the main accused in the Boy of Burton case?
- Alice Goodridge
- Alice Freeman
Who were the main accusers in the boy of Burton case?
- Thomas Darling
- William Somers
Who was the exorcist in the Boy of Burton case?
John Darrell
