Dave Weldrake: James I - The Witch Hunter King

Talk 2: James I: The Witch hunter King General Introduction Brief outline of James’ life to give context to what follows Account of North Berwick witch trials; Description of Satanic ritual. Elements of folk magic etc. Use of torture. James not believing until Agnes Sampson did a cold reading on him. Jury imprisoned for initially giving a not guilty verdict. King James Demonology. (I need to re-read this but I plan to give a brief outline of his basic ideas and an assessment of the book’s influence) Strengthening of anti-witchcraft laws Altering the translation of the bible to justify his own beliefs Later trials in which he was involved. All teenage frauds. Case study The Bilson Boy James eventual change of mind Discussion and conclusion