Methods used to identify witches.
Witch’s broomstick
Broomstick smeared with flying ointment, supposed to give witches the power of flight.
Witch’s familiar
Demonic spirit who attends upon a witch, possessing magical powers that can be used for good or evil. Often taking the form of a small animal such as a cat.
Witchcraft Act 1735
Sometimes dated 1736, an Act of Parliament that repealed the statutes concerning witchcraft throughout Great Britain, including Scotland.
Witchcraft Acts
Series of Acts passed by the Parliaments of England and Scotland making witchcraft a secular offence punishable by death.
Witchcraft in Orkney
Witchcraft in Orkney possibly has its roots in the settlement of Norsemen on the archipelago from the eighth century onwards. Until the early modern period magical powers were accepted as part of the general lifestyle, but witch-hunts began on the mainland of Scotland in about 1550.
Witches of Belvoir
Mother and her two daughters accused of causing the deaths by witchcraft of two young nobles, Henry and Francis Manners.
Witches of Warboys
Three members of the Samuel family who were executed for witchcraft in Huntingdonshire in 1593.
Woodplumpton witch
Redirected to Meg Shelton.