witchcraft

• What was the time period during which witchcraft beliefs were prevalent in England?

  1500-1700
• What was believed about witches during the period of 1500-1700?


  They were believed to have made a pact with the devil, granting them special powers.
• How were witches believed to be identifiable?

  By their familiar, which was the devil in the shape of an animal.
• What significant change did the 1542 Witchcraft Act introduce?


  It made witchcraft a capital offence.
• How did attitudes towards witchcraft change by the end of the 17th century?


  Witches were seen more as foolish tricksters rather than individuals with real powers.
• What were the punishments for witchcraft by the 1735 Witchcraft Act?


  Punishments included fines and imprisonment rather than death.
• How many people were executed for witchcraft between 1542 and 1716?


  Around 1000 people.
• What was the most common type of execution for witchcraft during this period?


  The most common type of execution was hanging.
• Why did the belief in and punishment of witchcraft become more widespread during this period?

  Economic problems increased tensions in communities and fear of vagabonds.
• How did Protestant ideas influence beliefs about witchcraft?


  People feared the old religion, Catholicism, and sought to cleanse society by finding witches.
• Who was James I and what was his role in witchcraft beliefs?


  James I was an enthusiastic witch hunter who wrote a book called Demonologie.
• What did James I's book Demonologie call for?


  It called on people to find witches.
• What event led James I to become increasingly concerned about conspiracies involving witches?


  The Gunpowder Plot.
• How did the English Civil Wars contribute to beliefs in witchcraft?


  The chaos of the war years created a climate of fear, attracting people to superstitious ideas.
• Why were 90% of witchcraft accusations made against women?


  Many accused were 'wise women' with healing powers who did not meet societal expectations.
• Who was Matthew Hopkins and what was his role?


  Matthew Hopkins was a self-proclaimed 'witchfinder general' who uncovered witchcraft.
• What methods did Matthew Hopkins use to interrogate accused witches?


  He used methods such as starving them and depriving them of sleep.
• What physical examination was conducted on the accused witches?


  They were examined for a "mark" that indicated a familiar.
• What was required from victims who were forced into confessions?


  They had to name other suspected witches.
• How many investigations for witchcraft did Hopkins and his assistant conduct?


  They conducted an estimated 300 investigations.
• How many people were executed by hanging due to Hopkins' actions?


  Around 112 people.
• When did Matthew Hopkins die, ending his influence?


  He died in 1647.
• What impact did Enlightenment ideas have on witchcraft beliefs in the late 17th century?


  They demanded a more scientific approach and higher standards of evidence in courts.
• What was established in London in 1660 that contributed to Enlightenment ideas?


  The Royal Society.
• What was the last recorded execution for witchcraft in England?

  It occurred in 1716.
• What were the key factors that led to the decline of witchcraft accusations in the second half of the 17th century?


  • Rise of Enlightenment ideas promoting scientific approaches
  • Establishment of the Royal Society in 1660
  • Demand for higher standards of evidence in courts
  • Persistence of beliefs in some rural communities