Tryagain wrote:.
Didn't they burn all the Witches in merry olde England?
One may consider Matthew Hopkins (The Witchfinder General) certainly did his best to ensure all Witches were removed from the scene. He was a native of the village of Manningtree, Essex.
In 1645 he accused seven witches of conjuring up the Devil in the shape of a bear, which attempted to kill him?
Hopkins, claimed to have witnessed the seven talking to their Imps and swiftly dispatched them. It should be noted that he was a self proclaimed Witchfinder General and held trials all over the southern area of England. The average wage being two pennies per day and Hopkins being paid twenty shillings to dispose of each witch he located was onto quite a decent herb.
There is much to be learned about Witches of great interest, the majority of 'witches' were spinsters or widows, (a threat to the other women of the villages) and accusations were made from spite, jealousy and perhaps the odd husband mentioning names in his sleep.
Kramer and Sprenger being the authors of an extremely interesting book on the subject 'THE MALLEUS MALEFICARUM' those of a nervous disposition are advised to steer clear of it's pages.
In a two year period Matthew Hopkins arranged the execution of some 200 women found guilty of being 'witches.'
It is believed he developed TB and died in 1647 in his home town of Manningtree.
Pendle Hill is worth a visit in Lancashire, the site of the last actual 'Witch' burning in the country.
The 'witches' in England today are quite interesting to talk to, did you know there are still followers of 'Witchcraft' in the UK?