In 1562 the Witchcraft Act was passed in England during the reign of Elizabeth I. The Act stated that anyone who should "use, practise, or exercise any Witchcraft, Enchantment, Charm, or Sorcery, whereby any person shall happen to be killed or destroyed", was guilty of a felony without benefit of clergy, and was to be put to death. The Scottish Witchcraft Act followed a year later.

Joining today is Steven Veerapen, author of Witches: A King’s Obsession as we explore the reign of James VI of Scotland and I of England and its attitude to so called witches. James wrote a book on witchcraft and oversaw a huge uptick in legal proceedings against women who made up 85% of those accused.

Links

Witches: A King's Obsession

IWM Live

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