Derbyshire Witches 1710

The Derbyshire Witches of 1710

The History and Background

In 1710, Derbyshire, England, experienced one of its most infamous witch hunts. This event was not merely a local phenomenon but a reflection of the pervasive fear and superstition that gripped much of early modern Europe. The period between the late sixteenth and mid-eighteenth centuries is often referred to as the “high era” of witchcraft accusations, with hundreds of people accused of witchcraft in various parts of Britain.

The Derbyshire witch trials began in March 1710 when four women—Elizabeth Goddard, Elizabeth Teat, Hannah Davenport, and Sarah Bostock—were arrested for practicing witchcraft. The arrests were made by local constables acting on the accusations of a teenage girl named Mary Turner, who claimed that these women had bewitched her family.

Key Events or Sightings

#### March 1710: Arrests Begin

The first arrest took place on March 19, 1710. Elizabeth Goddard was apprehended by constables after a confrontation with Mary Turner’s father, Thomas Turner. The accusation stemmed from the Turner family’s belief that Goddard had caused the death of their daughter and the illness of their son. The other women were arrested shortly thereafter.

#### April 1710: Further Accusations

On April 28, 1710, Elizabeth Teat was also accused by Mary Turner’s father. He claimed that Teat had cast a spell on his family and attempted to steal his horse. Hannah Davenport and Sarah Bostock were arrested for similar accusations made by the Turners.

Witness Accounts or Evidence

#### Testimony of Mary Turner

Mary Turner, who was only nine years old at the time, provided crucial testimony against the accused witches. She claimed that Elizabeth Goddard had caused her sister’s death and that Teat had attempted to steal their horse. The young girl’s account, though later discredited as unreliable by some historians, played a significant role in the arrests.

#### Confessions

During interrogations, all four women confessed to practicing witchcraft. However, their confessions were often extracted under duress and lack credibility when viewed through modern eyes. Elizabeth Goddard confessed that she had “made an agreement with Satan” but claimed her actions were motivated by a desire for money rather than malevolence.

Investigations or Research

#### The Role of the Clergy

Local clergy, particularly Reverend John Flaxman, played a significant role in the proceedings. He not only provided spiritual guidance to those accused but also helped gather evidence and witness testimonies. Flaxman’s involvement has been seen by some as an attempt to bring order to what he perceived as a chaotic situation.

#### Legal Proceedings

The Derbyshire witch trials were conducted under the laws of the time, which allowed for a wide range of evidence, including spectral evidence—testimony about the accused’s interactions with spirits. Despite this, many legal experts of the day argued that such testimony was unreliable and potentially fraudulent.

The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery

#### Aftermath

The trials concluded in May 1710 when Elizabeth Goddard, Elizabeth Teat, Hannah Davenport, and Sarah Bostock were found guilty. However, their sentences are unknown due to the lack of surviving records. It is believed that they were likely sentenced to death by hanging, a common penalty for witches at the time.

#### Historical Reevaluation

In recent years, historians have revisited the Derbyshire witch trials with renewed interest. Scholars such as Professor John Ashford have argued that the case was driven more by local social tensions and economic pressures than by genuine belief in witchcraft. His research suggests that the accusations were partly motivated by a desire to shift blame for family tragedies onto external factors.

Frequently Asked Questions (5 Q&A pairs)

Q: Why did the Derbyshire witch trials occur in 1710?

A: The specific reasons behind the Derbyshire witch trials are complex. Local social tensions, economic pressures, and the prevailing belief in witchcraft all contributed to this particular outbreak of accusations.

Q: Were there any other witch hunts in Derbyshire during that period?

A: Yes, while not as well-documented, there were occasional instances of witchcraft accusations and trials throughout the early eighteenth century. The Derbyshire witches case is notable for its scale and the involvement of local clergy.

Q: How reliable are the confessions given by the accused witches?

A: Confessions obtained under duress, such as those made during the Derbyshire witch trials, lack credibility. Modern historians generally view these statements with skepticism, acknowledging that they were likely coerced or influenced by fear and superstition.

Q: What happened to the accuser, Mary Turner, after the trial?

A: There is no specific record of what happened to Mary Turner following the trials. However, many children involved in similar cases often faced social stigma and psychological trauma as adults.

Q: How have historians and modern scholars viewed the Derbyshire witch trials?

A: Historians now view the Derbyshire witch trials through a critical lens, emphasizing the social and economic factors that may have driven these accusations rather than attributing them solely to superstition. This reevaluation has provided a more nuanced understanding of the events.