Elizabethan England Topic Summaries

Persecution of witches

GCSE > History > Eduqas > GCSE History: Elizabethan England (1558-1603) > Elizabethan life and culture > Persecution of witches
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Key terms
  • Fear of witchcraft was widespread, especially in rural areas during periods of hardship.
  • Witch trials increased in the late 16th century, often associated with illness, crop failure, or personal misfortune.
  • Witches were believed to make pacts with the Devil and perform harmful magic.
  • Women were disproportionately accused, particularly those who were poor, elderly, or socially marginal.
  • Witchcraft prosecutions were encouraged by law, including the 1563 Witchcraft Act, which made harmful magic a criminal offence.

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