The Persecution of Witches in the 17th Century
The 17th century saw the emergence of a frenzied period of persecution for witches across Europe. The craze was driven by religious fear, and both Protestants and Catholics were prosecuting suspected witches.
The Mystery Surrounding Witch Persecutions
Despite the many myths that surround witches, there was no clear explanation for these attacks on women and their communities. There are several theories, but most scholars agree that the prosecutions were not driven by political or gender concerns; they were not an attack on backward or rural societies; they did not express local tensions; they were not a result of economic changes; and they were not an effort by cultural elites to impose their views on the population.
The Fear of Witches' Powers
One reason for this fear was the widespread belief that witches possessed demons and could use them to cast spells on people, livestock or crops. Another was that they used to fly and flit around in the night, unseen but up to no good.
The Influence of Sermons and Treatises
These beliefs and attitudes were often encouraged by sermons and didactic treatises highlighting Satan’s power, which evoked a sense of dread. This dread helped to spread a frantic desire for witch-hunting, provoking fears and resentment in the public.
Methods of Witch Exposures and Interrogation
Methods for exposing witches were devised in judicial courts, where judges and clerics used various torture techniques to extract confessions. Some used sex-based methods, such as sleep deprivation or sexual humiliation, while others relied on physical measures. Judges also looked for the ‘witches mark,’ a black spot on a woman’s body that indicated she had made a pact with the Devil.
Torture and Intimidation Tactics
Torture was a common method of interrogation, and women were frequently shackled or raped while being asked to confess. The cries of accusation and screams of pain were used to intimidate women, as were threats of death.
Threats to Livelihood and Reputation
In addition to physical harm, women were sometimes threatened with the loss of their property or livelihood. This was especially the case in rural areas, where women might be dependent on livestock for survival.
Vulnerability and Suspicions
Older women were more likely to be accused than younger ones. This was because it took more time for a woman to be accused and to develop a reputation as a witch.
It was also difficult for women to escape suspicion from their families and other members of the community. If they were single or elderly, or if they had poor health or had been in prison, they were regarded as particularly vulnerable to suspicion.
Contributing Factors to the Witch-Hunting Craze
Other factors that may have encouraged the craze include the growing number of printed materials, such as devil books that warned people of the dangers of witchcraft, and the spread of literacy. Whether or not these factors were behind the craze is still debated, but there is little doubt that they played a part in the onset of the craze and contributed to its growth.
The Importance of Documents in Understanding the Witch Craze
Documents in this collection are invaluable for students who want to investigate the craze and its causes. They provide a rich source of material for students to explore questions such as: How were the beliefs and behaviours of witches incited, encouraged or enabled? What were the roles of the authorities and legal restraint, the attitudes of communities or the role of women in society?
