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| On this date in 1612, three women-Jane Southworth, Jennet Bierly and Ellen Bierly-were tried because of accusations of fourteen-year old Grace Sowerbutts of practicing witchcraft in Samlesbury, England. It somewhat mirrors our own Salem witchcraft trials. But in this case, the women were acquitted. The women had been charged with child murder and cannibalism. The judge noticed some "goings on" in his cross-examination of Grace and her family, and it was discovered that the child had been prepped by her priest. Historians of this era suspect many of these trials were religious power plays within communities.
The goal was to eradicate heresy, but many people were the victims of hatred and fear. Remember that not everyone was burned who was accused. But also remember what absolute power can do. Honor those who stood their ground. Remember those who suffered injustice. |
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