Why did the Bamberg witch hunt come to an end? Flashcards
What happened in 1627?
Complaints about innocent people being executed for witchcraft began to be made at both religious and imperial courts.
Von Dornheim issued a proclamation stating that those who give false testimony at witch trials should be flogged and a whipping post was erected for this purpose.
What was the Von Dornheim problem?
Renewed his proclamation in 1628. Always seemed Von Dornheim’s decision was simply reactionary and only concerned with protecting his inner circle.
Issued a proclamation to stop men who had served Bamberg in hunting witches being accused themselves. Series of accusation had been made against Frederick Froner and others in his administration.
What was the Carolina Law Code of 1532?
Witch trials were based on this. It specifically required judges to establish the credibility of witches. Also stated that confessions taken through torture should only be permissible in court if they were supported by other evidence. This had not been the case.
What was the case of Dorothea Flock?
Georg Heinrich Flock, a Bamberg councillor was accused. Flock soon fled to Nuremburg, but his wife Dorothea was arrested. Led to the Emperor Ferdinand becoming involved.
What was the concern of Flock’s family Von Dornheim ignored?
They appealed to Ferdinand, stating their particular concern for her health and that of the newborn child, and the legitimacy of the legal process. Von Dornheim said there were no health concerns and they were following the standards.
What did Von Dornheim compel to the Emperor?
Flock had been dishonest, compelled emperor to ignore his complaints. Added he only initiated the trials in order to honour God and turn people away from ungodly behaviour.
What did the family do?
In April 1630 her relatives appealed directly to the pope and the emperor again. Both Ferdinand and the pope requested Von Dornheim stop the trial, and wrote in a letter all documents related to the trial should be sent to the imperial Holfrat for review, and that if he didn’t obey orders he would be punished.
In response to this demand, what did Von Dornheim do?
He rushed the trial through and had Dorothea executed before they could arrive on 17th May. Sentenced to be burned alive, beheaded first. Done in secret at 6am. Led to renewed protest, questioning proceedings, sent a letter to Ferdinand claiming her trial was illegal and contrary to religious law.
What was the involvement of the Imperial Chamber Court?
Complaints sent. Von Dornheim’s representatives reported that two other escapees from the witch-prison in Bamberg had sent complaints directly to the Emperor, compelled Von Dornheim to take immediate action preserve his reputation.
What was the Diet of Regensburg?
A meeting of senior leaders of the Holy Roman Empire, held between July and November 1630. Von Dornheim sent two witch-commissioners, Dr Harsee and Dr Schwartzkonz to defend the trials. Presented case to Aulic Council.
What did Ferdinand send to Von Dornheim?
A letter in an even more forceful tone. Criticised him for continuing trials in defiance of his earlier instructions. Complained about Barbara Schwarz.
What did Von Dornheim do when Ferdinand wanted original documents of trials?
Originally fact copies, and then refused and sent transcripts. Copies verbatim. Attached was letter saying no one had been arrested for witchcraft since June 1630. In fact, 25 people discovered in March 1631 since that time. Commissioners continued to grow in witches.
What was Georg Wilhelm Dumler’s letter?
Former administrator of St Martin’s Church. Stated that:
- Several hundred respectable had suffered.
- Never sufficient proof.
- In August 1628, his pregnant wife taken from house to witch-prison, where she was tortured and miscarried. She was executed, and now he had been accused. Both pious Catholics.
- Carolina Law Code permitted the accused an advocate or lawyer to represent them in court, but this had been denied at the Bamberg trials.
- Should be heard in civil courts, but in Bamberg were behind closed doors by the commissioners.
What did Ferdinand do on 12/6/1631?
Announced he was to punish those responsible for trials. New director of the witch-commission, Dr Anton Winter. All future trials be conducted to Carolina Law Code. Von Dornheim fled when Swedish Army arrived. Sent final letter to the emperor, reiterating that those who had accused him of malpractice were involved in witchcraft themselves.
What happened to the Swedish Army?
Regained a lot of territory the between 1630-1634 that the Protestants had lost. The Swedish army swelled in size, from approximately 40,000 in 1630 to 150,000 in 1632.
