100witches: 98- Agnes Waterhouse (c. 1503- July 29, 1566)The first woman executed for witchcraft in
98- Agnes Waterhouse (c. 1503- July 29, 1566)
The first woman executed for witchcraft in England.
Put on trial in 1566 in Chelmsford, England, Agnes was accused of witchcraft along with her sister Elizabeth and her daughter Joan. She was said to have used witchcraft to kill livestock and inflict illness.
Elizabeth was the first accused, confessing to a series of crimes and the possession of an animal familiar, a white spotted cat named Satan. She claimed to have learned witchcraft from their mother, and in turn accused Agnes. Elizabeth stated she had given the familiar to Agnes in exchange for a piece of cake. Agnes confessed to using the cat to kill livestock, but denied using witchcraft to kill people.
Joan confessed to using a familiar to seek out retribution against their neighbor for refusing to give her bread and cheese. The familiar took the form of a horned dog, but Joan’s acknowledgement of the cat Satan solidified her mom’s conviction. The neighbor testified to being threatened by a horned dog whom she had refused to give butter to. When she asked the dog who his master was, the dog wagged his head and tail towards Agnes.
Two days after the trial, Agnes was hanged. Her trial would set the tone for the absurdity of English witch trials in their outrageous accusations and strong emphasis on the familiar.
Never refuse a woman bread, cheese, or butter. Always exchange cake for cats named Satan.
Thu, 25 Jul 2019 07:59:14
