Robert Neill - Mist Over Pendle Quiz

Answer: Marjorie Whittaker

Roger Nowell (and the fictitious Margery) were related to Alexander Nowell who was the Dean of St Paul's and author of the catechism, part of which survives in the "Book of Common Prayer". Roger Nowell did not write well - some documents written by him have survived - but someone sat with him and wrote an account of the arrests of the witches.

The real Marjorie was probably a dry-as-dust judge's clerk!

Answer: Roger Nowell and Nicholas Bannister

There were other Justices - such as Thomas Heber who was Roger Nowell's son-in-law. Roger Nowell and Nicholas Bannister were also members of the Quorum - justices set apart as knowing more of the law than the rest. The word is still used in constitutions to stipulate the minimum number of members of a committee required to make decisions.

Answer: Elizabeth Sowtherns and Ann Whittle

Both women were over 80 and had been known as witches for about 50 years. The two families had an on-going feud which apparently started when a member of the Chattox family broke into the Malkin Tower (Demdike's home) and stole something of value to her family.

Answer: Demdike, Chattox, Alison Device and Ann Redfearn

Alison Device, Old Demdike's grand-daughter, was accused of bewitching John Law (Fat Jack), a pedlar, because he refused to open his pack and either give or sell her some pins. Alison cursed him; he ran away and promptly collapsed. His son, Abraham Law, dragged Alison to his father and told her to lift the spell. Alison confessed to having bewitched him and the other three women became incriminated. John Law was heavily built, he had a heavy pack, it was a hot day and he ran up a hill.

It seems more likely that he simply had a stroke but Alison definitely believed in the curse.

Answer: Richard Baldwin

In 'Mist Over Pendle', her name is given as Margaret but her name was not actually given in the trial records.

Answer: Alice Nutter

According to historical records, Alice Nutter was a widow but in 'Mist Over Pendle', her husband is still alive although he is not involved in witchcraft and leaves Pendle before his wife is arrested. Several of her husband's family did die under mysterious circumstances over a number of years - but always to the benefit of Alice Nutter.

Answer: Atropine

Atropine is called after the third Fate, Atropos, who cuts the thread of life. Italians called it belladonna because ladies would squeeze drops into their eyes as an aid to beauty. Victims die crazed and raving with staring eyes. We call it digitalis or foxglove.

Answer: Jennet Device

Old Demdike had a daughter, Elizabeth Device (Squinting Lizzie) who had at least three children, James, Alison and Jennet. Jennet was 9 years old but under the law at that time she was allowed to give evidence in court which she did, standing on a table. Her mother, Elizabeth Device, screamed and cursed her so badly that she had to be removed from the courtroom. (The last bit is history and not in 'Mist Over Pendle).

Answer: Plotting to rescue the first group from prison

There was a large meeting on Good Friday at the Malkin Tower (Demdike's home). The justices were informed that it had taken place. The witches were allegedly making plans to kill Thomas Covell, the governor of the jail at Lancaster Castle, blow up the jail and rescue Demdike and the other three witches.

When the group were arrested, the long standing feud meant that both families made accusations against the other so they all ended up being committed to the Assizes.

Answer: Master Thomas Potts

Master Thomas Potts was the clerk to the judges, Sir Edward Bromley and Sir James Altham. He wrote an account of the trial called 'The Wonderful Discovery of Witches in the County of Lancaster'. Several of the witches refused to confess again at the gallows and this caused doubts about whether the witches were guilty or not so the judges ordered that the book be published.