Henry VIII’s Act against Conjurations, Witchcrafts, Sorcery and Inchantments in 1541, defined witchcraft as a crime to be punishable by death or by the forfeiture of goods. This addressed the use of magic with “unlawfull intente or purpose” such as causing harm to animals or manipulating a person’s feelings towards another.Edward VI repealed this act 5 years later. Under the reign of Elizabeth I, the crime of witchcraft was once again punishable by…
Europe
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The Pendle Witches
The most famous witches in English history are the Pendle witches that were tried and executed in 1612. The Pendle witches were known in their community as healers and cunning folk, led by Elizabeth Southerns alias Demdike and located in and around Malkin Tower. This…