This episode contains discussions of sexual assault, violence and child abuse. Listener discretion is advised.

How did the mob lynching of a notorious astrologer and occultist in June 1628 act as a grim prelude to the demise of King Charles I? Why did John Lambe - accused of witchcraft, sorcery, and moral corruption - become the target for popular anger at a monarchy seen as distant, corrupt, and unaccountable?

Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Professor Alastair Bellany to uncover how witchcraft accusations became political weapons, and how the killing of one man revealed a terrifying truth: royal authority in England was beginning to fail.

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Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Max Wintle, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.

All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.

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