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.

Jack Sprat

English nursery rhyme first recorded in the form we know it today in 1670.

Taxes on knowledge

Slogan used in a long-running campaign against duties on newspapers, their advertising content and the paper they were printed on.

Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis

Scottish aristocrat executed in 1537 for treason. Modern day academics highlight that earlier accounts declaring she was tried for witchcraft are inaccurate.

Jane Taylor

English children’s author (1783–1824), whose best known work is “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”.

Baa, Baa, Black Sheep

English nursery rhyme the earliest known version of which appears in 1784, perhaps referring to a tax on wool introduced in 1275.

Babes in the Wood

English fairy tale and pantomime subject, about two young children abandoned in the wood by their wicked uncle, in an attempt to steal their inheritance.

Home Chimes

British magazine published from 1884 until 1894, precursor to popular fiction magazines.