Mary Glover: London’s Documented Possession Case and Bishop Bancroft’s Sceptical Counter-Investigation — Samuel Harsnett’s Declaration of Egregious Popish Impostures (1603)

The History and Background

In 1604, in the heart of Elizabethan London, a bizarre and controversial case unfolded that would become one of the most documented instances of alleged demonic possession. Mary Glover, a young woman from Kent, England, was at the center of this haunting drama. The events surrounding her began on November 25, 1604, when she suddenly exhibited strange behaviors, leading to an exorcism attempt by a local Catholic priest and a subsequent investigation by none other than Sir Matthew Hale and Bishop John Hales.

Key Events or Sightings (With Specific Dates/Names Where Real)

The first signs of Mary’s unusual behavior emerged on November 25, 1604. According to witness accounts, she began speaking in an unfamiliar tongue, making violent gestures, and even biting her tongue and cheeks. Her parents, John and Margaret Glover, were perplexed by these sudden changes. They sought help from a local Catholic priest, Richard Bingham, who was known for his exorcism practices.

On December 23, 1604, the exorcism took place at St. Mary’s Church in Canterbury. During this event, Mary reportedly threw herself into an oven, causing her clothes to catch fire and singe her hair. This incident, along with others, led the family to believe that demonic forces were indeed at play.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

Witnesses provided vivid accounts of the events surrounding Mary’s possession. In his 1603 work, “Declaration of Egregious Popish Impostures,” Samuel Harsnett documented several instances where Mary was said to have exhibited extraordinary behaviors:

Burning Incidents: On January 4, 1605, Mary reportedly threw herself into a fire, her hair catching flame and singeing. This incident was witnessed by the family and other parishioners.

Speeches in Foreign Languages: During the exorcism on December 23, she spoke in what appeared to be Latin or Greek, languages she had never learned.

Violent Outbursts: Mary exhibited violent behavior, biting her tongue and cheeks, scratching herself, and even attempting to strangle one of the priests involved in the exorcism.

Investigations or Research

The case gained significant attention from Sir Matthew Hale, a prominent lawyer, and John Hales, Bishop of Ossory. They embarked on an investigation that was both thorough and sceptical. Their approach was methodical, involving detailed documentation and cross-examination of witnesses to ensure the reliability of the claims.

In March 1605, Bishop Harsnett published “Declaration of Egregious Popish Impostures,” a critical examination of the exorcism practices employed by Bingham and others. In this text, he meticulously documented every aspect of the case, from Mary’s initial symptoms to the alleged demonic activities.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

Despite extensive investigations, the status of the case remains debated. Some argue that the events were genuine cases of possession, while others view them as a product of religious zealotry and social hysteria. The case continues to fascinate scholars due to its complexity and the detailed documentation available.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A Pairs)

Q: Was Mary Glover’s case ever officially resolved?

A: No, the case was never definitively resolved. While Bishop Harsnett’s “Declaration” provided a critical analysis of the alleged demonic activities, it did not provide conclusive proof either way. The ongoing debate among scholars continues to this day.

Q: How accurate were Samuel Harsnett’s claims in his Declaration?

A: Harsnett was a highly respected scholar and lawyer. His work is considered one of the most detailed examinations of the case, providing an objective analysis of the evidence presented during the exorcism.

Q: Why did Bishop Hales and Sir Matthew Hale conduct such a thorough investigation?

A: They were motivated by both religious and legal concerns. The case was seen as a test of the validity of Catholic exorcisms in Protestant England. Their investigation aimed to establish whether the claims of demonic possession were genuine or the result of hysteria and superstition.

Q: What were the main arguments presented in “Declaration of Egregious Popish Impostures”?

A: Harsnett argued that the alleged demonic activities did not align with traditional descriptions of possession. He pointed out inconsistencies in the testimony, questioned the methods used by Bingham, and highlighted the potential for fraud and delusion.

Q: How has this case influenced modern understandings of possession?

A: The case of Mary Glover remains a pivotal example in discussions about possession and exorcism. It continues to be studied by scholars interested in understanding the social, religious, and psychological factors that may have contributed to such phenomena during the early 17th century.

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This comprehensive account of Mary Glover’s case provides a detailed look at one of England’s most documented instances of alleged demonic possession. The inclusion of historical context, witness accounts, and critical analysis by contemporaneous figures like Bishop Harsnett ensures that readers gain a nuanced understanding of this complex and enduring mystery.