58 – Persecutions picture

Physical description:

Black and white reproduction of a 16th century wood engraving, showing a scene from the North Berwick witch trials - King James supervising the interrogation of the accused women.

Museum classification:

Persecution

Information:

King James I (King James VI of Scotland) watches the North Berwick witch trials of 1590-1592. From a contemporary woodcut.
King James I is often accused of fearing and hating witchcraft and wanting the extermination of all witches. James was sceptical of the confessions from the Berwick witches even though they had allegedly tried to kill him with witchcraft. He did, however, publish 'Daemonlogie', which reinforced the perception that witches caused all manner of problems and destruction.
Original text by Cecil Williamson: 'Someone out of envy or malice would point a finger at their neighbour and accuse her of being a witch. In no time at all the church would see to it that she was seized by the state law officers and brought before the local magistrates for questioning. This picture is interesting in that it shows that the accused were beaten, prodded and driven like cattle into the auction ring. Then when in the presence of Mr High and Mighty they were compelled to give their answers while kneeling in front of him, and if they were slow or confused in making their answers the steward was ever ready to deal them another whack across their shoulders so as to teach them not to keep their betters waiting for an answer.'

Resource:

Picture

Materials:

Paper

King James I (King James VI of Scotland) watches the North Berwick witch trials of 1590-1592. From a contemporary woodcut.
King James I is often accused of fearing and hating witchcraft and wanting the extermination of all witches. James was sceptical of the confessions from the Berwick witches even though they had allegedly tried to kill him with witchcraft. He did, however, publish 'Daemonlogie', which reinforced the perception that witches caused all manner of problems and destruction.
Original text by Cecil Williamson: 'Someone out of envy or malice would point a finger at their neighbour and accuse her of being a witch. In no time at all the church would see to it that she was seized by the state law officers and brought before the local magistrates for questioning. This picture is interesting in that it shows that the accused were beaten, prodded and driven like cattle into the auction ring. Then when in the presence of Mr High and Mighty they were compelled to give their answers while kneeling in front of him, and if they were slow or confused in making their answers the steward was ever ready to deal them another whack across their shoulders so as to teach them not to keep their betters waiting for an answer.'