The Boughton witches were three women convicted in separate trials at the Court of Sessions in Chester in 1656, accused of causing harm by the use of witchcraft, and executed together on 8 October 1656. They were Ellen Beech and Anne Osboston of Rainow,[a]Anne Osboston is called Anne Osbalderton in the burial records of St Mary’s‑on‑the‑Hill, Chester.[1] sometimes known as the Rainow witches, and Anne Thornton of Eccleston.[2] The women are named after the site of their execution, Gallows Hill in Boughton, Chester, now known as Barrel Well Hill.[3]
Ellen Beech was charged with having “consulted and covenanted with, entertayned, imployed, ffed and rewarded certayn evill and wicked spirits”, causing the death of Elizabeth Cowper. Anne Osboston faced a similar charge of bringing about the deaths of Barbara Pott, her husband John, and Anthony Booth, “a gentleman”.[3]
Anne Thornton was charged with practising “divellish and wicked acts” to cause the death of the three-year-old son of Ralphe Frinchett, of Eccleston.[3]
See also
- Witch trials in Cheshire
Witch trials in Cheshire from 1589 until 1675.
Notes
| a | Anne Osboston is called Anne Osbalderton in the burial records of St Mary’s‑on‑the‑Hill, Chester.[1] |
|---|
