英国的女巫

 英国的女巫

Paul King

巫术在英国直到1563年才被定为死罪,尽管它被视为异端,并在1484年被教皇英诺森八世谴责为异端。 从1484年到1750年左右,约有20万名女巫在西欧被折磨、焚烧或绞死。

大多数被认为是女巫的人通常都是老妇人,而且无一例外都是穷人。 任何不幸的人都会被认为是拥有 "邪恶之眼",牙齿松动,脸颊凹陷,嘴唇多毛。 如果他们还有一只猫,这就被认为是一个证据,因为女巫总是有一个 "熟悉的人",猫是最常见的。

许多不幸的妇女因这种证据而被判刑,并在经历了骇人听闻的酷刑后被绞死。 拇指螺丝和铁制的 "caspie-claws"(一种在火炉上加热的脚镣)通常能让所谓的女巫招供。

1645-1646年间,女巫热笼罩了东安格利亚14个可怕的月。 这些东部各县的人们都是坚定的清教徒和狂热的反天主教徒,很容易被偏执的传教士所动摇,他们的任务是寻找最轻微的异端气息。 一个叫马修-霍普金斯的人,一个不成功的律师,来帮忙(!),他被称为 "巫师将军"。 他把68人送上了法庭。在切尔姆斯福德之后,他前往诺福克和萨福克。 奥尔德堡为清除镇上的女巫付给他6英镑,金斯林付给他15英镑,感恩的斯托马克付给他23英镑。 这时的日工资是2.5便士。

在金斯林市场的一面墙上刻着一颗心,据说是标志着玛格丽特-雷德(Margaret Read)的心脏从火焰中跃出并撞击到墙上的地方,她是一个在火刑柱上被烧死的被判刑女巫。

马修-霍普金斯的大部分推理理论都是基于魔鬼印记。 疣子或痣,甚至跳蚤咬伤,他都认为是魔鬼印记,他用他的 "刺针 "来观察这些印记是否对疼痛不敏感。 他的 "刺针 "是一根3英寸长的尖刺,缩进弹簧手柄里,所以不幸的女人永远不会感到任何疼痛。

马修-霍普金斯,寻找女巫的将军。 摘自霍普金斯在1650年之前出版的一张宽幅海报

还有其他针对女巫的测试。 贝德福德的玛丽-萨顿接受了游泳测试。 她的大拇指被绑在对面的大脚趾上,被扔进河里。 如果她浮起来,她就是有罪的,如果她沉下去,就是无罪的。 可怜的玛丽浮起来了!

1921年,在埃塞克斯郡的圣奥赛斯发现了霍普金斯恐怖统治的最后一个提醒。 在一个花园里发现了两具女性骨骼,它们被钉在没有标记的坟墓里,关节处被打上了铁铆钉。 这是为了确保女巫不能从坟墓里回来。 霍普金斯负责了300多起处决。

在约克郡的克纳雷斯伯勒,人们仍然记得希普顿修女。 虽然她被称为女巫,但她因预测未来而更加出名。 她显然预见到了汽车、火车、飞机和电报。 她的洞穴和滴水井(在滴水井下悬挂的物体变得像石头一样)是今天在克纳雷斯伯勒的一个热门参观点。

1612年8月,彭德尔女巫,一个家族的三代人,在兰开斯特拥挤的街道上游行并被绞死。

尽管许多反对巫术的法案在1736年被废除,但猎杀女巫的活动仍在继续。 1863年,一名据称是男巫的人被淹死在埃塞克斯郡海丁汉的一个池塘里;1945年,在沃里克郡的米恩山村附近发现了一名老年农场工人的尸体。 他的喉咙被割断,尸体被干草叉钉在地上。 这起谋杀案仍未解决,但该人在当地,他被誉为是一个巫师。

See_also: 邓斯特,西萨默塞特

看来,对巫术的信仰并没有完全消亡。

See_also: 班伯里

Paul King

Paul King is a passionate historian and avid explorer who has dedicated his life to uncovering the captivating history and rich cultural heritage of Britain. Born and raised in the majestic countryside of Yorkshire, Paul developed a deep appreciation for the stories and secrets buried within the ancient landscapes and historic landmarks that dot the nation. With a degree in Archaeology and History from the renowned University of Oxford, Paul has spent years delving into archives, excavating archaeological sites, and embarking on adventurous journeys across Britain.Paul's love for history and heritage is palpable in his vivid and compelling writing style. His ability to transport readers back in time, immersing them in the fascinating tapestry of Britain's past, has earned him a respected reputation as a distinguished historian and storyteller. Through his captivating blog, Paul invites readers to join him on a virtual exploration of Britain's historical treasures, sharing well-researched insights, captivating anecdotes, and lesser-known facts.With a firm belief that understanding the past is key to shaping our future, Paul's blog serves as a comprehensive guide, presenting readers with a wide range of historical topics: from the enigmatic ancient stone circles of Avebury to the magnificent castles and palaces that once housed kings and queens. Whether you are a seasonedhistory enthusiast or someone seeking an introduction to the enthralling heritage of Britain, Paul's blog is a go-to resource.As a seasoned traveler, Paul's blog is not limited to the dusty volumes of the past. With a keen eye for adventure, he frequently embarks on on-site explorations, documenting his experiences and discoveries through stunning photographs and engaging narratives. From the rugged highlands of Scotland to the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds, Paul takes readers along on his expeditions, unearthing hidden gems and sharing personal encounters with local traditions and customs.Paul's dedication to promoting and preserving the heritage of Britain extends beyond his blog as well. He actively participates in conservation initiatives, helping to restore historical sites and educate local communities about the importance of preserving their cultural legacy. Through his work, Paul strives not only to educate and entertain but also to inspire a greater appreciation for the rich tapestry of heritage that exists all around us.Join Paul on his captivating journey through time as he guides you to unlock the secrets of Britain's past and discover the stories that shaped a nation.