Chapter V: Part 5

This wicked and miserable Wretch, whether by practise, or meanes, to bring himselfe to some vntimely death, and thereby to auoide his Tryall by his Countrey, and iust iudgement of the Law; or ashamed to bee openly charged with so many deuillish practises, and so much innocent bloud as hee had spilt; or by reason of his Imprisonment so long time before his Tryall (which was with more fauour, commiseration, and reliefe then hee deserued) I know not: But being brought forth to the Barre, to receiue his Triall before this worthie Iudge, and so Honourable and Worshipfull an Assembly of Iustices for this seruice, was so insensible, weake, and vnable in all thinges, as he could neither speake, heare, or stand, but was holden vp[H2_a_1] when hee was brought to the place of his Arraignement, to receiue his triall.

This _Iames Deuice_ of the Forrest of Pendle, being brought to the Barre, was there according to the forme, order, and course, Indicted and Arraigned; for that hee Felloniously had practised, vsed, and exercised diuers wicked and deuillish Arts, called _Witch-crafts_, _Inchauntments_, _Charmes_, and _Sorceries_, in, and vpon one _Anne Towneley_, wife of _Henrie Towneley_ of the Carre,[H2_a_2] in the Countie of Lancaster Gentleman, and her by force of the same, felloniously had killed. _Contra pacem, &c._

The said _Iames Deuice_ was the second time Indicted and Arraigned in the same manner and forme, for the death of _Iohn Duckworth_, by witch-craft. _Contra pacem, &c._

To these two seuerall Indictments vpon his Arraignment, he pleaded not guiltie, and for the triall of his life put himselfe vpon God and his Countrie.

So as now the Gentlemen of the Iurie of life and death stand charged to finde, whether he be guiltie of these, or either of them.

Whereupon Master _Nowel_ humbly prayed Master _Towneley_ might be called,[H2_a_3] who attended to prosecute and giue euidence against him for the King's Majestie, and that the particular Examinations taken before him and others, might be openly published & read in Court,[H2_a_4] in the hearing of the Prisoner.

But because it were infinite to bring him to his particular Triall for euery offence, which hee hath committed in his time, and euery practice wherein he hath had his hand: I shall proceede in order with the Euidence remayning vpon Record against him, amongst the Records of the Crowne; both how, and in what sort hee came to be a witch: and shew you what apparant proofe there is to charge him with the death of these two seuerall persons, for the which hee now standeth vpon his triall for al the rest of his deuillish practises, incantantions, murders, charmes, sorceries, meetings to consult with Witches, to execute mischiefe (take them as they are against him vpon Record:) Enough, I doubt not. For these with the course of his life will serue his turne to deliuer you from the danger of him that neuer tooke felicitie in any things, but in reuenge, bloud, & mischiefe with crying out vnto God for vengeance; which hath now at the length brought him to the place where hee standes to receiue his Triall with more honor, fauour, and respect, then such a Monster in Nature doth deserue; And I doubt not, but in due time by the Iustice of the Law, to an vntimely and shamefull death.

* * * * *

_The Examination of_ IAMES DEVICE, _sonne of_ ELIZABETH DEVICE, _of the Forrest of Pendle, in the Countie of Lancaster, Labourer. Taken the seuen and twentieth day of Aprill, Annoq; Reg. Regis_ IACOBI, _Angliæ, &c._ x^o. _& Scotiæ Quadragesimo quinto._

Before

ROGER NOWEL, _and_ NICHOLAS BANNESTER, _Esquires: two of his Maiesties Iustices of Peace within the said Countie._

He saith, that vpon Sheare Thursday[H3_a_] was two yeares, his Grand-Mother _Elizabeth Sothernes_, alias _Dembdike_, did bid him this Examinate goe to the Church to receiue the Communion (the next day after being Good Friday) and then not to eate the Bread the Minister gaue him, but to bring it and deliuer it to such a thing as should meet him in his way homewards: Notwithstanding her perswasions, this Examinate did eate the Bread: and so in his comming homeward some fortie roodes off the said Church, there met him a thing in the shape of a Hare, who spoke vnto this Examinate, and asked him whether hee had brought the Bread that his Grand-mother had bidden him, or no? whereupon this Examinate answered, hee had not: and thereupon the said thing threatned to pull this Examinate in peeces, and so this Examinate thereupon marked himselfe to God, and so the said thing vanished out of this Examinates sight. And within some foure daies after that, there appeared in this Examinates sight, hard by the new Church in Pendle, a thing like vnto a browne _Dogge_, who asked this Examinate to giue him his Soule, and he should be reuenged of any whom hee would: whereunto this Examinate answered, that his Soule was not his to giue, but was his _Sauiour Iesus Christs_, but as much as was in him this Examinate to giue, he was contented he should haue it.

And within two or three daies after, this Examinate went to the Carre-Hall, and vpon some speeches betwixt Mistris _Towneley_ and this Examinate; Shee charging this Examinate and his said mother, to haue stolne some Turues of hers, badde him packe the doores: and withall as he went forth of the doore, the said Mistris _Towneley_ gaue him a knock betweene the shoulders: and about a day or two after that, there appeared vnto this Examinate in his way, a thing like vnto a black dog, who put this Examinate in minde of the said Mistris _Towneleyes_ falling out with him this Examinate; who bad this Examinate make a Picture of Clay, like vnto the said Mistris _Towneley_: and that this Examinate with the helpe of his Spirit (who then euer after bidde this Examinate to call it _Dandy_) would kill or destroy the said Mistris _Towneley_: and so the said dogge vanished out of this Examinates sight. And the next morning after, this Examinate tooke Clay, and made a Picture of the said Mistris _Towneley_, and dried it the same night by the fire: and within a day after, hee, this Examinate began to crumble the said Picture, euery day some, for the space of a weeke: and within two daies after all was crumbled away; the said Mistris _Towneley_ died.

And hee further saith, That in Lent last one _Iohn Duckworth_ of the Lawnde, promised this Examinate an old shirt: and within a fortnight after, this Examinate went to the said _Duckworthes_ house, and demanded the said old shirt: but the said _Duckworth_ denied him thereof. And going out of the said house, the said Spirit _Dandy_ appeared vnto this Examinate, and said, Thou didst touch the said _Duckworth_; whereunto this Examinate answered, he did not touch him: yes (said the Spirit againe) thou didst touch him, and therfore I haue power of him: whereupon this Examinate ioyned with the said Spirit, and then wished the said Spirit to kill the said _Duckworth_: and within one weeke, then next after, _Duckworth_ died.

This voluntary Confession and Examination of his owne, containing in it selfe matter sufficient in Law to charge him, and to proue his offences, contained in the two seuerall Indictments, was sufficient to satisfie the Gentlemen of the Iurie of Life and Death, that he is guiltie of them, and either of them: yet my Lord _Bromley_ commanded, for their better satisfaction, that the Witnesses present in Court against any of the Prisoners, should be examined openly, _viua voce_, that the Prisoner might both heare and answere to euery particular point of their Euidence; notwithstanding any of their Examinations taken before any of his Maiesties Iustices of Peace within the said Countie.

Herein do but obserue the wonderfull work of God; to raise vp a young Infant, the very sister of the Prisoner, _Iennet Deuice_, to discouer, iustifie and proue these things against him, at the time of his Arraignement and Triall, as hereafter followeth. _viz._

* * * * *

_The Examination and Euidence of_ IENNET DEVICE _daughter of_ ELIZABETH DEVICE, _late wife of_ IOHN DEVICE _of the Forrest of Pendle, in the Countie of Lancaster._

Against

IAMES DEVICE, _Prisoner at the Barre, vpon his Arraignement and Triall._ viz.

Being examined in open Court, she saith, That her brother _Iames Device_, the Prisoner at the Barre, hath beene a Witch for the space of three yeares: about the beginning of which time, there appeared vnto him, in this Examinates mothers house, a Black-Dogge, which [Sidenote: _Dandy._] her said brother called _Dandy_. And further, this Examinate confesseth, & saith: That her said brother about a twelue month since, in the presence of this Examinate, and in the house aforesaid, called for the said _Dandy_, who thereupon appeared: asking this Examinates brother what he would haue him to doe. This Examinates brother then said, he would haue him to helpe him to kill old Mistris _Towneley_ of the Carre: whereunto the said _Dandy_ answered, and said, That her said brother should haue his best helpe for the doing of the same; and that her said brother, and the said _Dandy_, did both in this Examinates hearing, say, they would make away the said Mistris _Towneley_. And about a weeke after, this Examinate comming to the Carre-Hall, saw the said Mistris _Towneley_ in the Kitchin there, nothing well: whereupon it came into this Examinates minde, that her said brother, by the help of _Dandy_, had brought the said Mistris _Towneley_ into the state she then was in.

Which Examinat, although she were but very yong, yet it was wonderfull to the Court, in so great a Presence and Audience, with what modestie, gouernement, and vnderstanding, shee deliuered this Euidence against the Prisoner at the Barre, being her owne naturall brother, which he himselfe could not deny, but there acknowledged in euery particular to be iust and true.

But behold a little further, for here this bloudy Monster did not stay his hands: for besides his wicked and diuellish Spels, practises, meetings to consult of murder and mischiefe, which (by Gods grace) hereafter shall follow in order against him; there is yet more bloud to be laid vnto his charge. For although he were but yong, and in the beginning of his Time, yet was he carefull to obserue his Instructions from _Old Demdike_ his Grand-mother, and _Elizabeth Deuice_ his mother, in so much that no time should passe since his first entrance into that damnable Arte and exercise of Witchcrafts, Inchantments, Charmes and Sorceries, without mischiefe or murder. Neither should any man vpon the least occasion of offence giuen vnto him, escape his hands, without some danger. For these particulars were no sooner giuen in Euidence against him, when he was againe Indicted and Arraigned for the murder of these two. _viz._

_Iames Deuice_ of the Forrest of Pendle aforesaid, in the Countie of Lancaster, Labourer, the third time Indicted and Arraigned for the death of _Iohn Hargraues_ of Gould-shey-booth, in the Countie of Lancaster, by Witchcraft, as aforesaid. _Contra &c._

To this Inditement vpon his Arraignement he pleaded thereunto not guiltie: and for his Triall put himselfe vpon God and his Countrey, &c.

_Iames Deuice_ of the Forrest of Pendle aforesaid, in the County of Lancaster, Labourer, the fourth time Indicted and Arraigned for the death of _Blaze Hargreues_ of Higham, in the Countie of Lancaster, by Witchcraft, as aforesaid. _Contra Pacem_, &c.

To this Indictment vpon his Arraignement, he pleaded thereunto not guiltie; and for the Triall of his life, put himselfe vpon God and the Countrey. &c.

Hereupon _Iennet Deuice_ produced, sworne and examined, as a witnesse on his Maiesties behalfe, against the said _Iames Deuice_, was examined in open Court, as followeth. _viz._

* * * * *

_The Examination and Euidence of_ IENNET DEVICE _aforesaid._

Against

IAMES DEVICE, _her brother, Prisoner at the Barre, vpon his Arraignement and Triall._ viz.

Being sworne and examined in open Court, she saith, That her brother _Iames Deuice_ hath beene a Witch for the space of three yeares: about the beginning of which time, there appeared vnto him, in this Examinates mothers house, a Blacke-Dogge, which her said brother called _Dandy_, which _Dandy_ did aske her said brother what he would haue him to doe, whereunto he answered, hee would haue him to kill _Iohn Hargreiues_, of Gold-shey-booth: whereunto _Dandy_ answered that he would doe it: since which time the said _Iohn_ is dead.

And at another time this Examinate confesseth and saith, That her said brother did call the said _Dandy_: who thereupon appeared in the said house, asking this Examinates brother what hee would haue him to doe: whereupon this Examinates said brother said, he would haue him to kill _Blaze Hargreiues_ of Higham: whereupon _Dandy_ answered, hee should haue his best helpe, and so vanished away: and shee saith, that since that time the said _Hargreiues_ is dead; but how long after, this Examinate doth not now remember.

All which things, when he heard his sister vpon her Oath affirme, knowing them in his conscience to bee iust and true, slenderly denyed them, and thereupon insisted.

To this Examination were diuerse witnesses examined in open Court _viua voce_, concerning the death of the parties, in such manner and forme, and at such time as the said _Iennet Deuice_ in her Euidence hath formerly declared to the Court.

Which is all, and I doubt not but matter sufficient in Law
to charge him with, for the death of these parties.

For the proofe of his Practises, Charmes, Meetings at Malking-Tower, to consult with Witches to execute mischiefe, Master _Nowel_ humbly prayed, his owne Examination, taken and certified, might openly be read; and the rest in order, as they remaine vpon Record amongst the Records of the Crowne at Lancaster: as hereafter followeth, _viz._

* * * * *

_The Examination of_ IAMES DEVICE, _Sonne of_ ELIZABETH DEVICE, _of the Forrest of Pendle: Taken the seuen and twentieth day of Aprill aforesaid_,

Before

ROGER NOWEL _and_ NICHOLAS BANESTER _Esquires, two of his Maiesties Iustices of Peace within the said Countie_, viz.

And being examined, he further saith, That vpon Sheare-Thursday last, in the euening, he this Examinate stole a Wether from _Iohn Robinson_ of Barley, and brought it to his Grand-mothers house, old _Dembdike_, and there killed it: and that vpon the day following, being Good-Friday, about twelue of the clocke in the day time, there dined in this Examinates mothers house a number of persons, whereof three were men, with this Examinate, and the rest women; and that they met there for three Causes following, as this Examinates said Mother told this Examinate.

1 The first was, for the naming of the Spirit which _Alizon Deuice_, now prisoner at Lancaster, had, but did not name him, because she was not there.

2 The second Cause was, for the deliuerie of his said Grand-mother; this Examinates said sister _Alizon_; the said _Anne Chattox_, and her daughter _Redferne_; killing the Gaoler at Lancaster; and before the next Assises to blow vp the Castle there, to the end the aforesaid persons might by that meanes make an escape & get away; all which this Examinate then heard them conferre of.

3 And the third Cause was, for that there was a woman dwelling in Gisborne Parish, who came into this Examinates said Grandmothers house, who there came and craued assistance of the rest of them that were then there, for the killing of Master _Lister_ of Westby, because (as shee then said) he had borne malice vnto her, and had thought to haue put her away at the last Assises at Yorke, but could not: and this Examinate heard the said woman say, That her power was not strong ynough to doe it her selfe, being now lesse then before time it had beene.

And also, that the said _Iennet Preston_ had a Spirit with her like vnto a white Foale, with a blacke spot in the forhead.

And he also saith, That the names of the said Witches as were on Good-Friday at this Examinates said Grand-mothers house, & now this Examinates owne mothers, for so many of them as he did know, were these, _viz._ the wife of _Hugh Hargreiues_ of Barley; the wife of _Christopher Bulcock_ of the Mosse end, and _Iohn_ her sonne; the mother of _Myles Nutter_; _Elizabeth_, the wife of _Christopher Hargreiues_, of Thurniholme; _Christopher Howgate_, and _Elizabeth_, his wife; _Alice Graye_ of Coulne, and one _Mould-heeles_ wife, of the same: and this Examinate, and his Mother. And this Examinate further saith, That all the said Witches went out of the said House in their owne shapes and likenesses. And they all, by that they were forth of the dores, were gotten on Horsebacke, like vnto Foales, some of one colour, some of another; and _Prestons_ wife was the last: and when shee got on Horsebacke, they all presently vanished out of this Examinates sight. And before their said parting away, they all appointed to meete at the said _Prestons_ wiues house that day twelue-moneths; at which time the said _Prestons_ wife promised to make them a great Feast. And if they had occasion to meete in the meane time, then should warning be giuen, that they all should meete vpon _Romleyes_ Moore.

* * * * *

_The Examination and Euidence of_ IENNET DEVICE.

Against

IAMES DEVICE _her said Brother, Prisoner at the Barre, vpon his Arraignement and Triall: Taken before_ ROGER NOWEL, _and_ NICHOLAS BANNESTER _Esquires: two of his Maiesties Iustices of Peace within the said Countie._ viz.

Shee saith, that vpon Good-Friday last there was about twentie persons, whereof only two were men, to this Examinates remembrance, at her said Grand-mothers house, called _Malking-Tower_ aforesaid, about twelue of the clock: all which persons this Examinates said Mother told her were Witches, and that they came to giue a name to _Alizon Deuice_ Spirit or Familiar, Sister to this Examinate, and now Prisoner, in the Castle of Lancaster: And also this Examinate saith, that the persons aforesaid had to their Dinners, Beefe, Bacon, and rosted Mutton, which Mutton, as this Examinates said brother said, was of a Weather of _Robinsons_ of Barley: which Weather was brought in the night before into this Examinates mothers house, by the said _Iames Deuice_ this Examinates said brother, and in this Examinates sight killed, and eaten, as aforesaid: And shee further saith, that shee knoweth the names of sixe of the said Witches, _viz._ the wife of the said _Hugh Hargreiues_, vnder Pendle: _Christopher Howget_, of Pendle, Vncle to this Examinate: and _Dick Miles_ wife, of the Rough-Lee: _Christopher Iacks_, of Thorny-holme, and his Wife: and the names of the residue shee this Examinate doth not know, sauing that this Examinates Mother and Brother were both there.

* * * * *

_The Examination of_ ELIZABETH DEVICE, _Mother of the said_ IAMES DEVICE, _of the Forrest of Pendle, taken the seuen and twentieth day of Aprill aforesaid._

Before

ROGER NOWEL, _and_ NICHOLAS BANNESTER _Esquires; as aforesaid._ viz.

Being examined, the said _Elizabeth_ saith and confesseth, that vpon Good-Friday last there dined at this Examinates house, those which she hath said to be Witches, and doth verily thinke them to bee Witches, and their names are those, whom _Iames Deuice_ hath formerly spoken of to be there.

And shee also confesseth in all things touching the Christning of her Spirit, and the killing of Master _Lister_ of Westby, as the said _Iames Deuice_ confesseth. But denieth that any talke was amongst th[=e] the said Witches, to her now remembrance, at the said meeting together, touching the killing of the Gaoler at Lancaster; blowing vp of the Castle, thereby to deliuer old _Dembdike_ her Mother; _Alizon Deuice_ her Daughter, and other Prisoners, committed to the said Castle for Witchcraft.

After all these things opened, and deliuered in euidence
against him; Master _Couil_, who hath the custodie of the
Gaole at Lancaster, hauing taken great paines with him
during the time of his imprisonment, to procure him to
discouer his practizes, and such other Witches as he knew to
bee dangerous: Humbly prayed the fauour of the Court that
his voluntarie confession to M. _Anderton_, M. _Sands_ the
Major of Lancaster, M. _Couel_, and others, might openly bee
published and declared in Court.

* * * * *

_The voluntarie confession and declaration of_ IAMES DEVICE, _Prisoner in the Castle at Lancaster._

Before

WILLIAM SANDS, _Maior of Lancaster_, IAMES ANDERTON, _Esquire, one of his Maiesties Iustices of Peace within the Countie of Lancaster: And_ THOMAS COVEL, _Gentleman, one of his Maiesties Coroners in the same Countie._ viz.

_Iames Deuice_, Prisoner in the Castle at Lancaster, saith, That his said Spirit _Dandie_, being very earnest with him to giue him his soule, He answered, he would giue him that part thereof that was his owne to giue: and thereupon the said Spirit said, hee was aboue CHRIST IESVS, and therefore hee must absolutely giue him his Soule: and that done, hee would giue him power to reuenge himselfe against any whom he disliked.

And he further saith, that the said Spirit did appeare vnto him after sundrie times, in the likenesse of a Dogge, and at euery time most earnestly perswaded him to giue him his Soule absolutely: who answered as before, that he would giue him his owne part and no further. And hee saith, that at the last time that the said Spirit was with him, which was the Tuesday next before his apprehension; when as hee could not preuaile with him to haue his Soule absolutely granted vnto him, as aforesaid; the said Spirit departed from him, then giuing a most fearefull crie and yell, and withall caused a great flash of fire to shew about him: which said Spirit did neuer after trouble this Examinate.

_William Sands_,
_James Anderton._
_Tho. Couel, Coroner._

The said _Iennet Deuice_, his Sister, in the very end of her Examination against the said _Iames Deuice_, confesseth and saith, that her Mother taught her two Prayers: the one to get drinke, which was this. _viz._

_Crucifixus hoc signum vitam
Eternam._ Amen.

And shee further saith, That her Brother _Iames Deuice_, the Prisoner at the Barre, hath confessed to her this Examinate, that he by this Prayer hath gotten drinke: and that within an houre after the saying the said Prayer, drinke hath come into the house after a very strange manner. And the other Prayer, the said _Iames Deuice_ affirmed, would cure one bewitched, which shee recited as followeth. _viz._

_A Charme._[K_b_1]

_Vpon Good-Friday, I will fast while I may
Vntill I heare them knell
Our Lords owne Bell,
Lord in his messe
With his twelue Apostles good,
What hath he in his hand
Ligh in leath wand:[K_b_2]
What hath he in his other hand?
Heauens doore key,
Open, open Heauen doore keyes,
Steck, steck hell doore.
Let Crizum child
Goe to it Mother mild,[K_b_3]
What is yonder that casts a light so farrandly,[K_b_4]
Mine owne deare Sonne that's naild to the Tree.
He is naild sore by the heart and hand,
And holy harne Panne,
Well is that man
That Fryday spell can,
His Childe to learne;
A Crosse of Blew, and another of Red,
As good Lord was to the Roode._
Gabriel _laid him downe to sleepe
Vpon the ground of holy weepe:[K2_a_1]
Good Lord came walking by,
Sleep'st thou, wak'st thou_ Gabriel,
_No Lord I am sted with sticke and stake,
That I can neither sleepe nor wake:
Rise vp_ Gabriel _and goe with me,
The stick nor the stake shall neuer deere thee.[K2_a_2]
Sweete Iesus our Lord, Amen._
_Iames Deuice._

What can be said more of this painfull Steward, that was so carefull to prouide Mutton against this Feast and solemne meeting at _Malking-Tower_, of this hellish and diuellish band of Witches, (the like whereof hath not been heard of) then hath beene openly published and declared against him at the Barre, vpon his Arraignement and Triall: wherein it pleased God to raise vp Witnesses beyond expectation to conuince him; besides his owne particular Examinations, which being shewed and read vnto him; he acknowledged to be iust and true. And what I promised to set forth against him, in the beginning of his Arraignment and Triall, I doubt not but therein I haue satisfied your expectation at large, wherein I haue beene very sparing to charge him with any thing, but with sufficient matter of Record and Euidence, able to satisfie the consciences of the Gentlemen of the Iury of Life and Death; to whose good consideration I leaue him, with the perpetuall Badge and Brand of as dangerous and malicious a Witch, as euer liued in these parts of Lancashire, of his time: and spotted with as much Innocent bloud, as euer any Witch of his yeares.

After all these proceedings, by direction of his Lordship, were their seuerall Examinations, subscribed by euery one of them in particular, shewed vnto them at the time of their Triall, & acknowledged by th[=e] to be true, deliuered to the gentlemen of the Iury of Life & Death, for the better satisfaction of their consciences: after due consideration of which said seuerall examinations, confessions, and voluntary declarations, as well of themselues as of their children, friends and confederates, The Gentlemen deliuered vp their Verdict against the Prisoners, as followeth. _viz._

_The Verdict of Life and Death._

Who found _Anne Whittle_, alias _Chattox_, _Elizabeth Deuice_, and _Iames Deuice_, guiltie of the seuerall murthers by Witchcraft, contained in the Indictments against them, and euery of them.

THE WITCHES OF SALMESBVRY.[K3_a_]

_The Arraignement and Triall of_ IENNET BIERLEY ELLEN BIERLEY, _and_ IANE SOVTHWORTH _of Salmesbury, in the County of Lancaster; for Witchcraft vpon the bodie of_ GRACE SOWERBVTS, _vpon Wednesday the nineteenth of August: At the Assises and generall Gaole-deliuery, holden at Lancaster._

Before

_Sir_ EDWARD BROMLEY _Knight, one of his Maiesties Iustices of Assize at Lancaster: as hereafter followeth._ viz.

_Iennet Bierley._
_Ellen Bierley._
_Iane Southworth._

Thus haue we for a time left the Graund Witches of the Forrest of Pendle, to the good consideration of a verie sufficient Iury of worthy Gentlemen of their Co[=u]trey. We are now come to the famous Witches of Salmesbury, as the Countrey called them, who by such a subtill practise and conspiracie of a Seminarie Priest,[K3_b_1] or, as the best in this Honorable Assembly thinke, a Iesuite, whereof this Countie of Lancaster hath good store,[K3_b_2] who by reason of the generall entertainement they find, and great maintenance they haue, resort hither, being farre from the Eye of Iustice, and therefore, _Procul a fulmine_; are now brought to the Barre, to receiue their Triall, and such a young witnesse prepared and instructed to giue Euidence against them, that it must be the Act of GOD that must be the means to discouer their Practises and Murthers, and by an infant: but how and in what sort Almightie GOD deliuered them from the stroake of Death, when the Axe was layd to the Tree, and made frustrate the practise of this bloudie Butcher, it shall appeare vnto you vpon their Arraignement and Triall, whereunto they are now come.

Master _Thomas Couel_, who hath the charge of the prisoners in the Castle at Lancaster, was commaunded to bring forth the said

_Jennet Bierley_,
_Ellen Bierley_,
_Jane Southworth_,

to the Barre to receiue their Triall.

Indictment.

The said _Iennet Bierley_, _Ellen Bierley_, and _Iane Southworth_ of Salmesbury, in the Countie of Lancaster, being indicted, for that they and euery of them felloniously had practised, exercised, and vsed diuerse deuillish and wicked Arts, called _Witchcrafts_, _Inchauntments_, _Charmes_, and _Sorceries_, in and vpon one _Grace Sowerbuts_: so that by meanes thereof her bodie wasted and consumed, _Contra formam Statuti &c. Et Contra Pacem dicti Domini Regis Coronam & dignitatem &c._

To this Indictment vpon their Arraignement, they pleaded _Not-Guiltie_; and for the Triall of their liues put themselues vpon GOD and their Countrey.

Whereupon Master Sheriffe of the Countie of Lancaster, by direction of the Court, made returne of a very sufficient Iurie to passe betweene the Kings Maiestie and them, vpon their liues and deaths, with such others as follow in order.

The Prisoners being now at the Barre vpon their Triall, _Grace Sowerbutts_, the daughter of _Thomas Sowerbutts_, about the age of foureteene yeares, was produced to giue Euidence for the Kings Maiestie against them: who standing vp, she was commaunded to point out the Prisoners, which shee did, and said as followeth, _viz_

* * * * *

_The Examination and Euidence of_ GRACE SOWERBVTTS, _daughter of_ THOMAS SOWERBVTTS, _of Salmesbury, in the Countie of Lancaster Husband-man, vpon her Oath_,

Against

IENNET BIERLEY, ELLEN BIERLEY, _and_ IANE SOVTHWORTH, _prisoners at the Barre, vpon their Arraignement and Triall_, viz.

The said _Grace Sowerbutts_ vpon her oath saith, That for the space of some yeares now last past shee hath beene haunted and vexed with some women, who haue vsed to come to her: which women, shee sayth, were _Iennet Bierley_, this Informers Grand-mother; _Ellen Bierley_, wife to _Henry Bierley_; _Iane Southworth_, late the wife of _Iohn Southworth_, and one _Old Doewife_, all of Salmesburie aforesaid. And shee saith, That now lately those foure women did violently draw her by the haire of the head, and layd her on the toppe of a Hay-mowe, in the said _Henry Bierleyes_ Barne. And shee saith further, That not long after the said _Iennet Bierley_ did meete this Examinate neere vnto the place where shee dwellleth, and first appeared in her owne likenesse, and after that in the likenesse of a blacke Dogge, and as this Examinate did goe ouer a Style, shee picked her off:[K4_b_] howbeit shee saith shee had no hurt then, but rose againe, and went to her Aunts in Osbaldeston, and returned backe againe to her Fathers house the same night, being fetched home by her father. And she saith, That in her way home-wards shee did then tell her Father, how shee had beene dealt withall both then and at sundry times before that; and before that time she neuer told any bodie thereof: and being examined why she did not, she sayth, she could not speake thereof, though she desired so to doe. And she further sayth, That vpon Saterday, being the fourth of this instant Aprill, shee this Examinate going towards Salmesbury bote, to meete her mother, comming from Preston, shee saw the said _Iennet Bierley_, who met this Examinate at a place called the Two Brigges, first in her owne shape, and afterwardes in the likenesse of a blacke Dogge, with two legges, which Dogge went close by the left side of this Examinate, till they came to a Pitte of Water, and then the said Dogge spake, and persuaded this Examinate to drowne her selfe there, saying, it was a faire and an easie death: Whereupon this Examinate thought there came one to her in a white sheete, and carried her away from the said Pitte, vpon the comming whereof the said blacke Dogge departed away; and shortly after the said white thing departed also: And after this Examinate had gone further on her way, about the length of two or three Fields, the said blacke Dogge did meete her againe, and going on her left side, as aforesaid, did carrie her into a Barne of one _Hugh Walshmans_,[L_a_] neere there by, and layed her vpon the Barne-floore, and couered this Examinate with Straw on her bodie, and Haye on her head, and the Dogge it selfe lay on the toppe of the said Straw, but how long the said Dogge lay there, this Examinate cannot tell, nor how long her selfe lay there: for shee sayth, That vpon her lying downe there, as aforesaid, her Speech and Senses were taken from her: and the first time shee knew where shee was, shee was layed vpon a bedde in the said _Walshmans_ house, which (as shee hath since beene told) was vpon the Monday at night following: and shee was also told, That shee was found and taken from the place where shee first lay, by some of her friends, and carried into the said _Walshmans_ house, within a few houres after shee was layed in the Barne, as aforesaid. And shee further sayth, That vpon the day following, being Tuesday, neere night of the same day, shee this Examinate was fetched by her Father and Mother from the said _Walshmans_ house to her Fathers house. And shee saith, That at the place before specified, called the Two Brigges, the said _Iennet Bierley_ and _Ellen Bierley_ did appeare vnto her in their owne shapes: whereupon this Examinate fell downe, and after that was not able to speake, or goe, till the Friday following: during which time, as she lay in her Fathers house, the said _Iennet Bierley_ and _Ellen Bierley_ did once appeare vnto her in their owne shapes, but they did nothing vnto her then, neither did shee euer see them since. And shee further sayth, That a good while before all this, this Examinate did goe with the said _Iennet Bierley_, her Grand-mother, and the said _Ellen Bierley_ her Aunt, at the bidding of her said Grand-mother, to the house of one _Thomas Walshman_, in Salmesbury aforesaid. And comming thither in the night, when all the house-hold was a-bed, the doores being shut, the said _Iennet Bierley_ did open them, but this Examinate knoweth not how: and beeing come into the said house, this Examinate and the said _Ellen Bierley_ stayed there, and the said _Iennet Bierley_ went into the Chamber where the said _Walshman_ and his wife lay, & from thence brought a little child,[L2_a_1] which this Examinate thinketh was in bed with it Father and Mother: and after the said _Iennet Bierley_ had set her downe by the fire, with the said child, shee did thrust a naile into the nauell of the said child: and afterwards did take a pen and put it in at the said place, and did suck there a good space, and afterwards laid the child in bed againe: and then the said _Iennet_ and the said _Ellen_ returned to their owne houses, and this Examinate with them. And shee thinketh that neither the said _Thomas Walshman_, nor his wife knew that the said child was taken out of the bed from them. And shee saith also, that the said child did not crie when it was hurt, as aforesaid: But shee saith, that shee thinketh that the said child did thenceforth languish, and not long after dyed. And after the death of the said child; the next night after the buriall thereof, the said _Iennet Bierley_ & _Ellen Bierley_, taking this Examinate with them, went to Salmesburie Church, and there did take vp the said child, and the said _Iennet_ did carrie it out of the Church-yard in her armes, and then did put it in her lap and carryed it home to her owne house, and hauing it there did boile some therof in a Pot, and some did broile on the coales, of both which the said _Iennet_ & _Ellen_ did eate, and would haue had this Examinate and one _Grace Bierley_, Daughter of the said _Ellen_, to haue eaten with them, but they refused so to doe: And afterwards the said _Iennet_ & _Ellen_ did seethe the bones of the said child in a pot, & with the Fat that came out of the said bones, they said they would annoint themselues,[L2_a_2] that thereby they might sometimes change themselues into other shapes. And after all this being done, they said they would lay the bones againe in the graue the next night following, but whether they did so or not, this Examinate knoweth not: Neither doth shee know how they got it out of the graue at the first taking of it vp. And being further sworne and examined, she deposeth & saith, that about halfe a yeare agoe, the said _Iennet Bierley_, _Ellen Bierley_, _Iane Southworth_, and this Examinate (who went by the appointment of the said _Iennet_ her Grand mother) did meete at a place called Red banck, vpon the North side of the water of Ribble, euery Thursday and Sonday at night by the space of a fortnight, and at the water side there came vnto them, as they went thether, foure black things, going vpright, and yet not like men in the face: which foure did carrie the said three women and this Examinate ouer the Water, and when they came to the said Red Banck they found some thing there which they did eate. But this Examinate saith, shee neuer saw such meate; and therefore shee durst not eate thereof, although her said Grand mother did bidde her eate. And after they had eaten, the said three Women and this Examinate danced, euery one of them with one of the blacke things aforesaid, and after their dancing the said black things did pull downe the said three Women, and did abuse their bodies, as this Examinate thinketh, for shee saith, that the black thing that was with her, did abuse her bodie.

The said Examinate further saith vpon her Oth, That about ten dayes after her Examination taken at Blackborne, shee this Examinate being then come to her Fathers house againe, after shee had beene certaine dayes at her Vnckles house in Houghton: _Iane Southworth_ widow, did meet this Examinate at her Fathers house dore and did carrie her into the loft,[L3_a_] and there did lay her vppon the floore, where shee was shortly found by her Father and brought downe, and laid in a bed, as afterwards shee was told: for shee saith, that from the first meeting of the said _Iane Southworth_, shee this Examinate had her speech and senses taken from her. But the next day shee saith, shee came somewhat to her selfe, and then the said Widow _Southworth_ came againe to this Examinate to her bed-side, and tooke her out of bed, and said to this Examinate, that shee did her no harme the other time, in respect of that shee now would after doe to her, and thereupon put her vpon a hey-stack, standing some three or foure yards high from the earth, where shee was found after great search made, by a neighbours Wife neare dwelling, and then laid in her bedde againe, where she remained speechlesse and senselesse as before, by the space of two or three daies: And being recouered, within a weeke after shee saith, that the said _Iane Southworth_ did come againe to this Examinate at her fathers house and did take her away, and laid her in a ditch neare to the house vpon her face, and left her there, where shee was found shortly after, and laid vpon a bedde, but had not her senses againe of a day & a night, or thereabouts. And shee further saith, That vpon Tuesday last before the taking of this her Examination, the said _Iane Southworth_ came to this Examinates Fathers house, and finding this Examinate without the doore, tooke her and carried her into the Barne, and thrust her head amongst a companie of boords that were there standing, where shee was shortly after found and laid in a bedde, and remained in her old fit till the Thursday at night following.

And being further examined touching her being at Red-bancke, shee saith, That the three women, by her before named, were carried backe againe ouer Ribble, by the same blacke things that carried them thither; and saith that at their said meeting in the Red-bancke, there did come also diuers other women, and did meete them there, some old, some yong, which this Examinate thinketh did dwell vpon the North-side of Ribble, because she saw them not come ouer the Water: but this Examinate knew none of them, neither did she see them eat or dance, or doe anything else that the rest did, sauing that they were there and looked on.

These particular points of Euidence being thus vrged against the Prisoners: the father of this _Grace Sowerbutts_ prayed that _Thomas Walshman_, whose childe they are charged to murther, might be examined as a witnes vpon his oath, for the Kings Maiestie, against the Prisoners at the Barre: who vpon this strange deuised accusation, deliuered by this impudent wench, were in opinion of many of that great Audience guilty of this bloudie murther, and more worthy to die then any of these Witches.

* * * * *

_The Examination and Euidence of_ THOMAS WALSHMAN, _of Salmesbury, in the Countie of Lancaster, Yeoman._

Against

IENNET BIERLEY, ELLEN BIERLEY, _and_ IANE SOVTHWORTH, _Prisoners at the Barre, vpon their Arraignement and Triall, as followeth._ viz.

The said Examinate, _Thomas Walshman_, vpon his oath saith, That hee had a childe died about Lent was twelue-month, who had beene sicke by the space of a fortnight or three weekes, and was afterwards buried in Salmesburie Church: which childe when it died was about a yeare old; But how it came to the death of it, this Examinate knoweth not. And he further saith, that about the fifteenth of Aprill last, or thereabouts, the said _Grace Sowerbutts_ was found in this Examinates fathers Barne, laid vnder a little hay and straw, and from thence was carried into this Examinates house, and there laid till the Monday at night following: during which time shee did not speak, but lay as if she had beene dead.

* * * * *

_The Examination of_ IOHN SINGLETON: _Taken at Salmesbury, in the Countie of Lancaster, the seuenth day of August_: Anno Reg. Regis IACOBI Angliæ, Franciæ, & Hiberniæ, Fidei Defensor. &c. Decimo & Scotiæ, xlvj.

Before

ROBERT HOVLDEN,[L4_b_1] _Esquire, one of his Maiesties Iustices of Peace in the County of Lancaster._

Against

IENNET BIERLEY, ELLEN BIERLEY, _and_ IANE SOVTHWORTH, _which hereafter followeth._

The said Examinate vpon his oath saith, That hee hath often heard his old Master, Sir _Iohn Southworth_[L4_b_2] Knight, now deceased, say, touching the late wife of _Iohn Southworth_, now in the Gaole, for suspition of Witchcraft: That the said wife was as he thought an euill woman, and a Witch: and he said that he was sorry for her husband, that was his kinsman, for he thought she would kill him. And this Examinate further saith, That the said Sir _Iohn Southworth_ in his comming or going betweene his owne house at Salmesbury, and the Towne of Preston, did for the most part forbeare to passe by the house, where the said wife dwelled, though it was his nearest and best way; and rode another way, only for feare of the said wife, as this Examinate verily thinketh.

* * * * *

_The Examination of_ WILLIAM ALKER _of Salmesbury, in the Countie of Lancaster, Yeoman: Taken the fifteenth day of Aprill_, Anno Reg. Regis IACOBI, Angliæ, Franciæ, & Hiberniæ, Decimo & Scotiæ, quadragesimo quinto.

Before

ROBERT HOVLDEN, _one of his Maiesties Iustices of Peace in the County of Lancaster: Against_ IENNET BIERLEY, ELLEN BIERLEY, _and_ IANE BIERLEY, _which hereafter followeth._ viz.

The said Examinate vpon his oath saith, That hee hath seene the said Sir _Iohn Southworth_ shunne to meet the said wife of _Iohn Southworth_, now Prisoner in the Gaole, when he came neere where she was. And hath heard the said Sir _Iohn Southworth_ say, that he liked her not, and that he doubted she would bewitch him.

Here was likewise _Thomas Sowerbutts_, father of _Grace Sowerbutts_, examined vpon his oath, and many other witnesses to little purpose: who being examined by the Court, could depose little against them: But the finding of the wench vpon the hay in her counterfeit fits: wherfore I leaue to trouble you with the particular declaration of their Euidence against the Prisoners, In respect there was not any one witnes able to charge them with one direct matter of Witchcraft; nor proue any thing for the murther of the childe.

Herein, before we come to the particular declaration of that wicked and damnable practise of this Iesuite or Seminary, I shall commend vnto your examination and iudgement some points of her Euidence, wherein you shal see what impossibilities are in this accusati[=o] brought to this perfection, by the great care and paines of this officious Doctor, Master _Thompson_ or _Southworth_, who commonly worketh vpon the Feminine disposition, being more Passiue then Actiue.

* * * * *

_The particular points of the Euidence_[M1_b_] _of_ GRACE SOWERBUTTS, _viz._

Euidence.

_That for the space of some yeares she hath been haunted
and vexed with some women, who haue vsed to come to her._

The Iesuite forgot to instruct his Scholler how long it is since she was tormented: it seemes it is long since he read the old Badge of a Lyer, _Oportet mendacem esse memorem_. He knowes not how long it is since they came to church, after which time they began to practise Witchcraft. It is a likely thing the Torment and Panges of Witchcraft can be forgotten; and therefore no time can be set downe.

_Shee saith that now lately these foure women did violently
draw her by the haire of the head, and lay her on the top of
a Hay-mow._

Heere they vse great violence to her, whome in another place they make choise to be of their counsell, to go with them to the house of _Walshman_ to murther the childe. This courtesie deserues no discouery of so foule a Fact.

_Not long after, the said_ Iennet Bierley _did meet this
Examinate neere vnto the place where she dwelled, and first
appeared in her owne likenesse, and after that in the
likenesse of a blacke Dogge._

_Vno & eodem tempore_, shee transformed her selfe into a Dogge. I would know by what meanes any Priest can maintaine this point of Euidence.

_And as shee went ouer a Style, shee picked her ouer, but
had no hurt._

This is as likely to be true as the rest, to throw a child downe from the toppe of a House, and neuer hurt her great toe.

_She rose againe; had no hurt, went to her Aunt, and
returned backe againe to her Fathers house, being fetched
home._

I pray you obserue these contrarieties, in order as they are placed, to accuse the Prisoners.

_Saterday the fourth of this instant Aprill._

Which was about the very day the Witches of the Forrest of Pendle were sent to Lancaster. Now was the time for the Seminarie to instruct, accuse, and call into question these poore women: for the wrinkles of an old wiues face is good euidence to the Iurie against a Witch.[M2_a_] And how often will the common people say (_Her eyes are sunke in her head_, GOD _blesse vs from her._) But old _Chattox_ had _Fancie_,[M2_b_] besides her withered face, to accuse her.

_This Examinate did goe with the said_ Iennet Bierley _her
Grand-mother, and_ Ellen Bierley _her Aunt, to the house of_
Walshman, _in the night-time, to murther a Child in strange
manner._

This of all the rest is impossible, to make her of their counsell, to doe murther, whome so cruelly and barbarously they pursue from day to day, and torment her. The Witches of the Forrest of Pendle were neuer so cruell nor barbarous.

_And shee also saith, the Child cried not when it was hurt._

All this time the Child was asleepe, or the Child was of an extraordinarie patience, _ô inauditum facinus_!

_After they had eaten, the said three women and this
Examinate daunced euery one of them with one of the Blacke
things: and after, the Blacke things abused the said women._

Here is good Euidence to take away their liues. This is more proper for the Legend of Lyes, then the Euidence of a witnesse vpon Oath, before a reuerend and learned Iudge, able to conceiue this Villanie, and finde out the practise. Here is the Religious act of a Priest, but behold the euent of it.

_She describes the foure Blacke things to goe vpright, but
not like Men in the face._

The Seminarie mistakes the face for the feete: For _Chattox_ and all her fellow Witches agree, the Deuill is clouen-footed: but _Fancie_ had a very good face, and was a very proper Man.

_About tenne dayes after her Examination taken at
Black-borne, then she was tormented._

Still he pursues his Proiect: for hearing his Scholler had done well, he laboured she might doe more in this nature. But notwithstanding, many things are layd to be in the times when they were Papists: yet the Priest neuer tooke paines to discouer them, nor instruct his Scholler, vntill they came to Church. Then all this was the Act of GOD, to raise a child to open all things, and then to difcouer his plotted Tragedie. Yet in this great discouerie, the Seminarie forgot to deuise a Spirit for them.

And for _Thomas Walshman_, vpon his Oath he sayth, That his Childe had beene sicke by the space of a fortnight, or three weekes, before it died. And _Grace Sowerbutts_ saith, they tooke it out of the bedde, strucke a nayle into the Nauell, sucked bloud, layd it downe againe; and after, tooke it out of the Graue, with all the rest, as you haue heard. How these two agree, you may, vpon view of their Euidence, the better conceiue, and be able to judge.

How well this proiect, to take away the liues of three innocent poore creatures by practise and villanie; to induce a young Scholler to commit periurie, to accuse her owne Grand-mother, Aunt, &c. agrees either with the Title of a Iesuite, or the dutie of a Religious Priest, who should rather professe Sinceritie and Innocencie, then practise Trecherie: But this was lawfull; for they are Heretikes accursed, to leaue the companie of Priests; to frequent Churches, heare the word of GOD preached, and professe Religion sincerely.

But by the course of Times and Accidents, wise men obserue, that very seldome hath any mischieuous attempt beene vnder-taken without the direction or assistance of a Iesuit, or Seminarie Priest.

Who did not condemne these Women vpon this euidence, and hold them guiltie of this so foule and horrible murder? But Almightie God, who in his prouidence had prouided meanes for their deliuerance, although the Priest by the help of the Deuill, had prouided false witnesses to accuse them; yet GOD had prepared and placed in the Seate of Iustice, an vpright Iudge to sit in Iudgement vpon their liues, who after he had heard all the euidence at large against the Prisoners for the Kings Majestie, demanded of them what answere they could make. They humbly vpon their knees with weeping teares, desired him for Gods cause to examine _Grace Sowerbuts_, who set her on, or by whose meanes this accusation came against them.

Immediately the countenance of this _Grace Sowerbuts_ changed: The witnesses being behinde, began to quarrell and accuse one an other. In the end his Lordship examined the Girle, who could not for her life make any direct answere, but strangely amazed, told him, shee was put to a Master to learne, but he told her nothing of this.

But here as his Lordships care and paines was great to discouer the practises of these odious Witches of the Forrest of Pendle, and other places, now vpon their triall before him: So was he desirous to discouer this damnable practise, to accuse these poore Women, and bring their liues in danger, and thereby to deliuer the innocent.

And as he openly deliuered it vpon the Bench, in the hearing of this great Audience: That if a Priest or Iesuit had a hand in one end of it, there would appeare to bee knauerie, and practise in the other end of it. And that it might the better appeare to the whole World, examined _Thomas Sowerbuts_, what Master taught his daughter: in generall termes, he denyed all.

The Wench had nothing to say, but her Master told her nothing of this. In the end, some that were present told his Lordship the truth, and the Prisoners informed him how shee went to learne with one _Thompson_ a Seminarie Priest, who had instructed and taught her this accusation against them, because they were once obstinate Papists, and now came to Church. Here is the discouerie of this Priest, and of his whole practise. Still this fire encreased more and more, and one witnesse accusing an other, all things were laid open at large.

In the end his Lordship tooke away the Girle from her Father, and committed her to M. _Leigh_, a very religious Preacher,[M4_a_] and M. _Chisnal_, two Iustices of the Peace, to be carefully examined. Who tooke great paines to examine her of euery particular point: In the end they came into the Court, and there deliuered this Examination as followeth.

* * * * *

_The Examination of_ GRACE SOWERBVTS, _of Salmesburie, in the Countie of Lancaster, Spinster: Taken vpon Wednesday the 19. of August 1612. Annoq; Reg. Regis_, IACOBI _Angliæ, Franciæ, & Hiberniæ, Fidei Defensoris, &c. decimo & Scotiæ_, xlvi.

Before

WILLIAM LEIGH, _and_ EDWARD CHISNAL, _Esquires; two of his Maiesties Iustices of Peace in the same Countie: At the Assizes and generall Gaole deliuerie, holden at Lancaster._

By

_Direction of Sir_ EDWARD BROMLEY _Knight, one of his Maiesties Iustices of Assize at Lancaster._