A Most Gross and Groundless Prosecution
The Denby witchcraft case of 1674
Description
As we reach the 350th anniversary of witchcraft allegations which shocked and bitterly divided the village of Denby, near Huddersfield, in 1674, former MP for the area, David Hinchliffe, looks into the detail of exactly what happened.
He examines the backgrounds of all those involved and original documentation relating to the case, including a remarkable petition of over fifty local people drawn up in support of the accused women.
Happening not long after the restoration of the monarchy, the author outlines the influence on the case of the recent English Civil Wars and growing religious dissent in the local area.
The fact the family involved shared Hinchliffe’s surname, and that his direct ancestors were living nearby not long after the allegations surfaced, makes his examination of these disturbing events very much a personal journey.