DORSETSHIRE WITCHCRAFT & CHARMS DORSETSHIRE WITCHCRAFT & CHARMS
John Symonds Udal John Symonds Udal
OAKMAGIC PUBLICATIONS 2012 OAKMAGIC PUBLICATIONS 2012
DORSETSHIRE WITCHCRAFT & CHARMS DORSETSHIRE WITCHCRAFT & CHARMS
John Symonds Udal John Symonds Udal
First published as "Dorsetshire Folklore"' by Stephen Austin & Sons, First published as "Dorsetshire Folklore"' by Stephen Austin & Sons,
Hertford, 1922 Hertford, 1922
WITCHCRAFT AND CHARMS WITCHCRAFT AND CHARMS
There is no part of England, I suppose, more prone to belief in the There is no part of England, I suppose, more prone to belief in the
supernatural—or perhaps I might say generally more superstitious—than the supernatural—or perhaps I might say generally more superstitious—than the West ; and, of the Western counties, none more so than Dorsetshire. That this West ; and, of the Western counties, none more so than Dorsetshire. That this is attributable to the fact that the West of England is largely agricultural, and is attributable to the fact that the West of England is largely agricultural, and even pastoral, in its character, entailing in consequence a comparatively even pastoral, in its character, entailing in consequence a comparatively sparse population, may not be unlikely; for there is no doubt that in the more sparse population, may not be unlikely; for there is no doubt that in the more strictly ag
strictly agriculturicultural ral anand rural d rural districts of Engdistricts of England people wland people were alere allowlowed—ated—at all events until recent times—to grow up to a great degree in a state of
all events until recent times—to grow up to a great degree in a state of ign
ignorance, aorance, and wernd were depe depririved oved of thf the adve advantantages wages which thich the nhe neigheighbourhood obourhood o towns usually confers by means of education and the fuller exchange of towns usually confers by means of education and the fuller exchange of
ideas and opinions, advantages hitherto practically monopolized by their ideas and opinions, advantages hitherto practically monopolized by their fellows of the artisan class. Of all forms of superstitious belief none was fellows of the artisan class. Of all forms of superstitious belief none was more firmly impressed upon the minds of the country people than the belief more firmly impressed upon the minds of the country people than the belief of witchcraft, that is, in the existence of a malefic influence possessed by of witchcraft, that is, in the existence of a malefic influence possessed by certain individuals (generally old women, though male witches, or wizards, certain individuals (generally old women, though male witches, or wizards, were not uncommon) over the person and property of those with whom they were not uncommon) over the person and property of those with whom they might be brought in contact.
might be brought in contact. Th
That counat country folk gtry folk generallenerally shouy should ld be ibe immbued wibued with tth this behis belilief is ef is notnot astonishing, when it is considered that in some form or other a belief in astonishing, when it is considered that in some form or other a belief in witchcraft was indulged in in olden times by all classes, from the king on witchcraft was indulged in in olden times by all classes, from the king on the throne and the judge on the bench to the humblest peasant who was the throne and the judge on the bench to the humblest peasant who was
called to give evidence. Learned treatises have been written on the subject, called to give evidence. Learned treatises have been written on the subject, and witchcraft has been accorded the dignity of a State trial 1
and witchcraft has been accorded the dignity of a State trial 1 1 See the report of Hathaway's trial in the State Trials.
1 See the report of Hathaway's trial in the State Trials.
T
Tririals als for wfor witchcraft weritchcraft were by no me by no means uneans uncomcommmon, and if searon, and if search werch were onlye only made amongst the quarter sessions records of the seventeenth century in the made amongst the quarter sessions records of the seventeenth century in the custody of the Custos Rotulorum of this county, and amongst the records of custody of the Custos Rotulorum of this county, and amongst the records of
udicial
udicial proceproceedings at the counedings at the county assizes ty assizes during tduring that periodhat period, nu, nummerouserous present
presentmmenents by ts by juries, depositions by juries, depositions by witnesses, anwitnesses, and indictd indictmmenents uts uponpon which these trials were held would no doubt be found to exist. I would like which these trials were held would no doubt be found to exist. I would like in particular to refer to a paper relating to certain proceedings taken upon a in particular to refer to a paper relating to certain proceedings taken upon a trial
trial for sofor sorcerrcery any and wd witchcraft duitchcraft duriring ng ththe pee peririod I have menod I have mentioned from ttioned from thehe pen
pen of tof thhe late Me late Mr. J. Cr. J. C. Man. Mansel-Plsel-Pleyeydell, thdell, the first President e first President of tof thhe Dorsete Dorset Nat
Natuural History anral History and And Antiqutiquarian Field Club, arian Field Club, in vol. v (p. 1) of in vol. v (p. 1) of itsits
Proceedings, and also to an account of a trial for witchcraft in this county Proceedings, and also to an account of a trial for witchcraft in this county which appe
which appears ars in Win Warne's arne's AnAnciecient Dnt Dorsorset, p. et, p. 158. 158. InInterestiteresting ng mmatter uponatter upon this subject may also be found in Roberts's History of Social Life in the this subject may also be found in Roberts's History of Social Life in the Sout
Southern Couhern Countnties ies (1856)(1856).. Order
Orders ws were ere sometsometimimes es mmade bade by thy the je judgudges es at that the ase assizes sizes dirdirecting tecting thehe magistrates to make inquiries into suspected or notorious cases of magistrates to make inquiries into suspected or notorious cases of
witchcraft, and to commit the parties for trial at the assizes if necessary. For witchcraft, and to commit the parties for trial at the assizes if necessary. For the following note of such an order I am indebted to a correspondent of the the following note of such an order I am indebted to a correspondent of the Somerset and Dorset Notes and Queries, vol. i, p. 225. It was an order to Somerset and Dorset Notes and Queries, vol. i, p. 225. It was an order to inquire into a case of alleged witchcraft at Sherborne in 1660, made by the inquire into a case of alleged witchcraft at Sherborne in 1660, made by the
udges then on the western circuit at the Dorset Summer Assizes (
udges then on the western circuit at the Dorset Summer Assizes ( It will be It will be noticed from this date how unusually late the summer assizes were held in noticed from this date how unusually late the summer assizes were held in this year ; the reason being in all probability that suggested by the above this year ; the reason being in all probability that suggested by the above
correspondent, namely, the train of festivities following upon the correspondent, namely, the train of festivities following upon the
estoration
estoration) held at Dorch) held at Dorchester on thester on the 10th e 10th SeptemSeptember, 1660, ber, 1660, and was inand was in the following terms "It is ordered by this Court that Sr. John ffitz James, the following terms "It is ordered by this Court that Sr. John ffitz James, knight, Robert Coke Esqre., Thomas Moore Esqre., Walter ffoy Esqre., and knight, Robert Coke Esqre., Thomas Moore Esqre., Walter ffoy Esqre., and Winston Churchill Esq., five of ye justices of ye peace of this county or any Winston Churchill Esq., five of ye justices of ye peace of this county or any two of them doe take care, That the business concerninge the witchcraft and two of them doe take care, That the business concerninge the witchcraft and consultation with the devill and evill spiritts in Sherborne in this county bee consultation with the devill and evill spiritts in Sherborne in this county bee with all speede examined, (and any) concerned in ye said business bee by with all speede examined, (and any) concerned in ye said business bee by them or any two of them bound to the good behaviour. And to appeare att the them or any two of them bound to the good behaviour. And to appeare att the next Assizes and Genrall Gaole delivry to bee holden for this county to
next Assizes and Genrall Gaole delivry to bee holden for this county to answere ye same. And that they alsoe binde over As aforesaid such p'sons answere ye same. And that they alsoe binde over As aforesaid such p'sons of those as by them are to be nowe examined as they shall thinke fitt. And of those as by them are to be nowe examined as they shall thinke fitt. And alsoe such prsons to prsecute against then as 'they shall alsoe thinke (fit) and alsoe such prsons to prsecute against then as 'they shall alsoe thinke (fit) and certifi
certifie their e their saisaid Examd Examinations and Ininations and Informformations att the Assiations att the Assizes."zes." Such
Such trialtrials ss somometimetimes es ended disended disastrously for astrously for ththe we witches; and execuitches; and executionstions were not uncommon in olden times.
were not uncommon in olden times.
Sometimes, however, the courts were satisfied by the accused or suspected Sometimes, however, the courts were satisfied by the accused or suspected persons m
persons merely ferely findininding g security security for tfor thheir fueir fututure good re good behbehaviouraviour, as th, as thee
following extract from the Somerset and Dorset Notes and Queries (vol. ii, following extract from the Somerset and Dorset Notes and Queries (vol. ii, p. 62), relating
p. 62), relating to Gto Gillillinginghham am ManManor Couor Court, will rt, will show :-show
:-" Elizabeth, Maij 7, Lib'i Decenne. Decinnar' ibm ven't & p'sent q'd qued'm " Elizabeth, Maij 7, Lib'i Decenne. Decinnar' ibm ven't & p'sent q'd qued'm Cecilia Lambert vid' inhi'tans inf' Decenn' p'd est mulier male fame &
Cecilia Lambert vid' inhi'tans inf' Decenn' p'd est mulier male fame &
gravit' suspect' de incantand' Et i'o p'cept Cecilie ad prox' cur' inferre duos gravit' suspect' de incantand' Et i'o p'cept Cecilie ad prox' cur' inferre duos sufficient' manucaptor' p' bona gesta ipsius Cecilie sub pen' exilij de hoc sufficient' manucaptor' p' bona gesta ipsius Cecilie sub pen' exilij de hoc man'io."
man'io." It is i
It is intntereseresting ting to find from to find from 'this extract that ex'this extract that exclusive clusive jurisjurisdictidiction in suchon in such matters was not reserved for the assize courts or the justices of the peace, matters was not reserved for the assize courts or the justices of the peace, bu
but was somt was sometimetimes givenes given—at all even—at all events in ts in .Qu.Queen een ElizabetElizabethh's tim's time—to te—to thhee local manor courts; though it will be observed that such jurisdiction was local manor courts; though it will be observed that such jurisdiction was apparently confined to taking security for good behaviour, on pain of apparently confined to taking security for good behaviour, on pain of ban
banishmishmenent ft from rom ththe me mananor—thor—this alternatis alternative, howeverive, however, being , being nno sligho slightt pen
penaltyalty..
It has always been a marvel to me on reading the accounts of some of these It has always been a marvel to me on reading the accounts of some of these old trials how many of these poor accused persons could ever have been old trials how many of these poor accused persons could ever have been broug
broughht, as was nt, as was not inot infrequfrequenently tly ththe case, to plead ge case, to plead guuiltyilty—th—that is, to at is, to admadmitit having
having comcommmitted an offenitted an offence of wce of whichhich, w, we ale all know, it wal know, it was is immposspossiblible theye they ever
ever realreally could ly could have been guhave been guililtyty. Hum. Human natan nature, however, ure, however, I suppose, I suppose, is is ththee same all the world over (even with witches), and women were found ready same all the world over (even with witches), and women were found ready
to face the consequences of such an admission in an age when our penal to face the consequences of such an admission in an age when our penal
code was a disgrace to our civilization, in return apparently for the notoriety code was a disgrace to our civilization, in return apparently for the notoriety that a confession of being a " familiar " of, or on terms of intimacy with, his that a confession of being a " familiar " of, or on terms of intimacy with, his Satanic Majesty would bring, and the additional fear, if not respect, inspired Satanic Majesty would bring, and the additional fear, if not respect, inspired amongst the neighbours by such a confirmation of their powers and the
amongst the neighbours by such a confirmation of their powers and the consequen
consequently ently enhanhanced ced value of their " value of their " charmcharms " s " and " speland " spells ls ".". Som
Sometimetimes, es, however, showever, such uch an impuan imputation would atation would appear ppear to have beeto have beenn
strenuously 'resisted; and it is refreshing to find that in one case, at least, a strenuously 'resisted; and it is refreshing to find that in one case, at least, a certificate has been forthcoming from the inhabitants of the neighbourhood certificate has been forthcoming from the inhabitants of the neighbourhood testify
testifying ting to the inno the innocence of the accocence of the accused or used or suspected suspected persperson. Mron. Mr. E. . E. A.A. Fry
Fry, in Som, in Somerserset anet and Dorset Notes and Qd Dorset Notes and Queriesueries, vol. v, p. 308 (1897), , vol. v, p. 308 (1897), setssets out a cer
out a certificate itificate in fun full ll subscrisubscribed bed by nuby nummerous erous inhinhabitants of South Perrott,abitants of South Perrott, Stoke Abbott and other neighbouring parishes, that one Johane Guppie, of Stoke Abbott and other neighbouring parishes, that one Johane Guppie, of Sout
South Perrott, Dorsh Perrott, Dorset, wet, was as not a practitinot a practitioner of " enchanoner of " enchantmtmentents, ss, sorceorcerye, or rye, or wi
witch crafte ". The oritch crafte ". The originginal al documdocumentent, w, which is dahich is dated in or ted in or about thabout the year e year 1607,
1607, is is in thin the Mise Miscellcellanea of thanea of the Exche Exchequer,equer,
The above instances indeed refer to a period when the belief in, and the The above instances indeed refer to a period when the belief in, and the practice of, witch
practice of, witchcraft craft were rwere ramampanpant; t; bubut I t I ththink ink it will it will be seen be seen from from ththee material which I have gathered together in this chapter that even at the close material which I have gathered together in this chapter that even at the close of the nineteenth century in the county of Dorset the belief in witchcraft still of the nineteenth century in the county of Dorset the belief in witchcraft still eked out a flickering existence, in spite of school boards—those great
eked out a flickering existence, in spite of school boards—those great enemies to folk-lore—whose chilling influence bids fair, I am afraid, to enemies to folk-lore—whose chilling influence bids fair, I am afraid, to cause our children not only to lose faith in everything their fore-elders have cause our children not only to lose faith in everything their fore-elders have ever taught them, but eventually to believe in nothing at all!
ever taught them, but eventually to believe in nothing at all!
In the term " witchcraft " I include "charms "—which I deal with in a In the term " witchcraft " I include "charms "—which I deal with in a separate section—and which may be considered either as the means separate section—and which may be considered either as the means
furnished by witches to bring about the object desired by their believers, or furnished by witches to bring about the object desired by their believers, or as the weapons by which the baneful influence of the witches themselves as the weapons by which the baneful influence of the witches themselves against th
against those ose who fancy who fancy ththey are ey are ththe se subjects of iubjects of it is t is sougsought tht to be o be avoiavoided.ded. Or, again, charms may be used generally as a protection against evil ; as an Or, again, charms may be used generally as a protection against evil ; as an insurer of good luck ; as a preventive of or cure for disease or illness, in insurer of good luck ; as a preventive of or cure for disease or illness, in which case they might come under the head of " folk-medicine " ; or, lastly, which case they might come under the head of " folk-medicine " ; or, lastly, may be unconnected with witchcraft altogether, and adopted as a means to may be unconnected with witchcraft altogether, and adopted as a means to obtain a desired end.
obtain a desired end.
The general form in which expression was given to the belief that persons The general form in which expression was given to the belief that persons were subject to the evil influence of some individual who was exerting that were subject to the evil influence of some individual who was exerting that influence to work an injury to them of their property, was that they were influence to work an injury to them of their property, was that they were "overlooked ". It was not only the witches proper or "wise women ", or the "overlooked ". It was not only the witches proper or "wise women ", or the wizards or " cunning men ", who were believed capable of " overlooking" wizards or " cunning men ", who were believed capable of " overlooking" people or anim
any reason particularly obnoxious old woman (whose faults 'would any reason particularly obnoxious old woman (whose faults 'would
ordinarily have been expiated by the application of the " ducking stool " or ordinarily have been expiated by the application of the " ducking stool " or the " brank "—the usual cures for a " scold ") would be credited with such a the " brank "—the usual cures for a " scold ") would be credited with such a power; a belief oft
power; a belief often en encouencouraged by raged by ththe poor creatue poor creature as a mre as a meaneans of s of protect
protection agion against ainst mmolestation olestation anand thd the pette petty y persecutpersecution of ion of villvillagage che childrildrenen,, who were restrained by the fear of what might be the result of drawing her who were restrained by the fear of what might be the result of drawing her resentment directly upon themselves.
resentment directly upon themselves. In t
In the Hanhe Handbook of Foldbook of Folk-lore, k-lore, edited edited by Miss C. by Miss C. S. Burne for thS. Burne for the Fole Folk-Lk-Loreore Society in 1913, she impresses upon collectors of British folk-lore that the Society in 1913, she impresses upon collectors of British folk-lore that the belief k
belief knnown as town as thhe "Evil Eye "Evil Eye " is ne " is not a mot a mattatter of art, er of art, mmagagic, or wiic, or witchtchcraftcraft,, bu
but a sut a supposed npposed natuatural powral power inher inherent erent in certin certain personain persons, whets, whethher er voluntarily or involuntarily exerted, and that they must be careful not to voluntarily or involuntarily exerted, and that they must be careful not to confuse " overlooking" and "blinking ", however intentionally and
confuse " overlooking" and "blinking ", however intentionally and
maliciously done, with "ill-wishing ", "cursing ", " bewitching ", or " putting maliciously done, with "ill-wishing ", "cursing ", " bewitching ", or " putting a spell on" a person or thing, which are feats of witchcraft.
a spell on" a person or thing, which are feats of witchcraft. (For an (For an
interesting paper by Mr, Hermann Lea upon this form of witchcraft, see interesting paper by Mr, Hermann Lea upon this form of witchcraft, see
emorials of Old Dorset (1907), pp, 292-305 emorials of Old Dorset (1907), pp, 292-305.).)
In Dorsetshire, however, it would seem that it is with this former In Dorsetshire, however, it would seem that it is with this former si
signgnificance that thificance that the term wie term witchtchcraft is craft is mmainly used, and it iainly used, and it is a s a form form to whichto which the county—and, indeed, the West of England generally—is particularly
the county—and, indeed, the West of England generally—is particularly prone,
prone, as thas the following e following instinstanances wices will show. Tll show. Thhe first one first one is take is taken en fromfrom certai
certain corren correspondence in thspondence in the Time Times es and Stanand Standard dard some ysome years ears ago, andago, and
reproduced, if I remember rightly, in the Dorset County Chronicle, by which reproduced, if I remember rightly, in the Dorset County Chronicle, by which it would appear that a man of about 50 years of age applied for relief to the it would appear that a man of about 50 years of age applied for relief to the guardians of the Shaftesbury Union on the ground that he was unable to
guardians of the Shaftesbury Union on the ground that he was unable to
work. The doctor had seen him and was unable to specify any cause, though work. The doctor had seen him and was unable to specify any cause, though he said he was certainly incapable of labour. He himself stated the cause to he said he was certainly incapable of labour. He himself stated the cause to be th
be that hat he he had been ad been " overlooked " " overlooked " by by hhis siis sister-in-law. His -,rife hster-in-law. His -,rife had beenad been to a "wise woman" at Stalbridge, a neighbouring village, who had relieved to a "wise woman" at Stalbridge, a neighbouring village, who had relieved him for a few days, but since then the spell had been too mighty and he was him for a few days, but since then the spell had been too mighty and he was as bad as ever. He declined medical aid as useless. The afflicted man was a as bad as ever. He declined medical aid as useless. The afflicted man was a native of Gillingham, where there was a school board and every appliance native of Gillingham, where there was a school board and every appliance of education, yet that was not enough to eradicate this most ancient of
of education, yet that was not enough to eradicate this most ancient of superstitions, as firmly believed in as ever.
superstitions, as firmly believed in as ever. Th
This is story wastory was ss supplemupplementented by a ed by a corrcorrespondent liviespondent living ng at Gilat Gillilingnghamham; who; who stated that in his parish the power of the "wise woman " extended over man stated that in his parish the power of the "wise woman " extended over man and beast. He mentioned a case wherein an old woman with a very bad and beast. He mentioned a case wherein an old woman with a very bad
temper and tongue was supposed to be in league with the " wise woman " of temper and tongue was supposed to be in league with the " wise woman " of Stalbridge. She was about buying some pigs from a neighbour, but there was Stalbridge. She was about buying some pigs from a neighbour, but there was
a difference between them of a shilling a head, and when she could not get a difference between them of a shilling a head, and when she could not get her way she said she would have nothing to do with them, and added the her way she said she would have nothing to do with them, and added the om
ominouinous ws wordsords: : " And m" And mark mark my wordy words, they wils, they will l never thrive never thrive wiwith yth you."ou." Curiously enough, in about a fortnight they all died and this cross old dame Curiously enough, in about a fortnight they all died and this cross old dame had the credit of their death, and she was dreaded accordingly by her
had the credit of their death, and she was dreaded accordingly by her neig
neighbouhbours rs both fboth far ar and nand near, for sear, for she was he was very dangvery dangerous to her erous to her ownown species.
species. Th
The narre narrator of this sator of this story added tory added ththat in that in the pre previoevious year this olus year this old wd womoman han hadad been
been very ill, buvery ill, but in t in a dream a dream onone ne nighight sht she saw a supposed ill-e saw a supposed ill-wiswishher of her of hersers laughing at her through the window, and she sent to another " wise woman ", laughing at her through the window, and she sent to another " wise woman ", who re
who remmoved oved ththe ie illllness from hness from herserself to her elf to her enemenemyy, " w, " which was, hich was, of course,of course, very satisfactory for her but not for him."
very satisfactory for her but not for him." An
Anothother er instaninstance ice is taken fs taken from throm the Brie Bridpordport News t News in thin the year e year 1884, 1884, whichwhich fu
further supplirther supplies es ththe meane means by ws by which thich the cure of thhe cure of the " e " overloverlooked " wooked " wasas
effected in that case. The wife of a woodman living in one of the parishes of effected in that case. The wife of a woodman living in one of the parishes of Dorchester had been seriously ill for a considerable time, She had been
Dorchester had been seriously ill for a considerable time, She had been waited on by a gipsy woman, who told her she had been " overlooked ". The waited on by a gipsy woman, who told her she had been " overlooked ". The gipsy informed her that she would never recover until the spell had been gipsy informed her that she would never recover until the spell had been broken
broken, which , which she bargshe bargained tained to do foo do for a smr a small sum all sum of mof mononeyey. Th. This wis wasas readily acceded to by the credulous invalid, whom the Romany ordered, readily acceded to by the credulous invalid, whom the Romany ordered, am
among ong othother er ththingings, s, to placto place cee certain pot-flowrtain pot-flowers ers out of doors, out of doors, and when thand when thee flowers withered she would begin to mend. The instructions were implicitly flowers withered she would begin to mend. The instructions were implicitly follow
followed, aed, and thnd the we womoman, strangan, strange to se to sayay, re, recovercovered pred pretty etty nearly as nearly as ththee gipsy had predicted. She stated positively that the flowers withered soon gipsy had predicted. She stated positively that the flowers withered soon afterwar
afterwards, ds, and thand that coiat coincident tncident to this her ro this her recoverecovery comy commmenced.enced. It was
It was gengeneralerally belly believeieved that td that the mhe most effectuost effectual al way of neuway of neutralitralizinzing, or of g, or of removing, the baneful influence exerted by the witch, or other person who removing, the baneful influence exerted by the witch, or other person who was supposed to be overlooking the sufferer, was to draw blood from the " was supposed to be overlooking the sufferer, was to draw blood from the " overl
overlooker ". That thooker ". That this is cure or cure or remedy bears the imprint of somremedy bears the imprint of some antiquitye antiquity may be seen from Shakespeare's play of Henry VI, wherein (Act I, Scene may be seen from Shakespeare's play of Henry VI, wherein (Act I, Scene V). Talbot says to Joan la Pucelle "Blood will I draw on thee ; thou art a V). Talbot says to Joan la Pucelle "Blood will I draw on thee ; thou art a witch." Again, later, Butler, in his Hudibras (Part II, canto 1), treats of the witch." Again, later, Butler, in his Hudibras (Part II, canto 1), treats of the same subject.
same subject.
The following account, taken from a Surrey newspaper, in which a The following account, taken from a Surrey newspaper, in which a
correspondent in Notes and Queries (Ser. v, xi, 66) refers to what he calls a correspondent in Notes and Queries (Ser. v, xi, 66) refers to what he calls a remarkable case of superstition in Dorsetshire, bears upon this point. It
remarkable case of superstition in Dorsetshire, bears upon this point. It appear
appeared that in a cottaged that in a cottage ie in thn the vie villllage , of East Knighage , of East Knighton tton there dwhere dwelt aelt a woman named Kerley and her daughter, a girl of about eighteen; and the woman named Kerley and her daughter, a girl of about eighteen; and the latter was supposed to be bewitched and to be the subject of the strangest latter was supposed to be bewitched and to be the subject of the strangest manifestations. It was positively declared that articles had been thrown out manifestations. It was positively declared that articles had been thrown out
of th
of the cottage into the cottage into the se street, altreet, alththougough nh neither weither window indow nor door nor door was was open,open, and these were stated to have been sent flying in all directions. An old and these were stated to have been sent flying in all directions. An old woman n
woman namamed Burt waed Burt was ss set dowet down as the cause of aln as the cause of all l ththe mischief, and shee mischief, and she was declared to have assumed the form of a hare, to have been chased by was declared to have assumed the form of a hare, to have been chased by the neighbours, and then to have sat up and looked defiantly at them. It was the neighbours, and then to have sat up and looked defiantly at them. It was positively believed th
positively believed that uat unntil blood was drtil blood was drawn fawn from rom ththe witch te witch thhee m
manifestationanifestations ws would not cease.ould not cease.
It is believed that a witch often takes the form of a hare and haunts the It is believed that a witch often takes the form of a hare and haunts the downs and hills at night-time, being only visible at the dead of night, and downs and hills at night-time, being only visible at the dead of night, and th
that nothat nothing wiling will l taktake ee effffect upon hect upon her er but a sibut a silver lver bullet.1bullet.1
Mr. R. L. Bartlett, in a letter to the Bridport News in May, 1891, gives an Mr. R. L. Bartlett, in a letter to the Bridport News in May, 1891, gives an instance of this from the Isle of Purbeck. He says
instance of this from the Isle of Purbeck. He says
1 See The Haunted Hare, one of the Songs of Dorset, contained in a 1 See The Haunted Hare, one of the Songs of Dorset, contained in a collect
collection of ion of poems called poems called The Olden and MThe Olden and Modern Times, by the odern Times, by the RevRev. W. W.. Smith Marriott, published in
Smith Marriott, published in 1855.1855.
" With regard to the `silver bullet ', I was born and lived the first fourteen " With regard to the `silver bullet ', I was born and lived the first fourteen years of my life in the Isle of Purbeck, and can well remember at Ulwell years of my life in the Isle of Purbeck, and can well remember at Ulwell seeing my father miss a hare, though he had two shots at her. The manservant seeing my father miss a hare, though he had two shots at her. The manservant with whom I was walking immediately decided that the hare was a witch, with whom I was walking immediately decided that the hare was a witch, and could not be killed unless the charge was rammed down with a
and could not be killed unless the charge was rammed down with a sixpence."
sixpence."
The Rev. Osmond Fisher, of Cambridge, in a letter in January, 1893, sends The Rev. Osmond Fisher, of Cambridge, in a letter in January, 1893, sends me another story of this superstition from Purbeck. He says:
me another story of this superstition from Purbeck. He says: "A labourer i
"A labourer in thn the Isle Isle of Purbeck had noticed a e of Purbeck had noticed a hare whare which hhich he encoune encounteredtered sever
several al timtimes es at a ceat a certain stilrtain stile ie in thn the evee eveninning as he wg as he was as goingoing hg homome. A friende. A friend advi
advised sed him him to put a sixpence in a to put a sixpence in a gugun ann and shoot it, sd shoot it, so he wo he went tent to a o a shop (ishop (inn Wareham ?) and borrowed a gun, and shot at the hare the next time he met it, Wareham ?) and borrowed a gun, and shot at the hare the next time he met it, and as it limped away he threw his sickle after it and struck it, but could not and as it limped away he threw his sickle after it and struck it, but could not catch it. When he got home a neighbour said to him : `Old Nanny's a-dying, catch it. When he got home a neighbour said to him : `Old Nanny's a-dying, and wants to see thee.' ' Shure ! do she now ? ' ` Ees, and she's got a cut all and wants to see thee.' ' Shure ! do she now ? ' ` Ees, and she's got a cut all across her back as if some one had cut it with a rip-hook (reaping-hook).'" across her back as if some one had cut it with a rip-hook (reaping-hook).'" And Mr. Fisher relates a story that once upon a time the harriers in the Vale And Mr. Fisher relates a story that once upon a time the harriers in the Vale of Blackmore lost the hare. The huntsman coming to an old woman's cottage of Blackmore lost the hare. The huntsman coming to an old woman's cottage said to the man, "You just hold my horse, I want to go in there." When he said to the man, "You just hold my horse, I want to go in there." When he came out he said: " Ah ! I knowed how it were. There she sits by the fire came out he said: " Ah ! I knowed how it were. There she sits by the fire pan
pantintin', m', muud ud up to hp to her kner knees."ees."
Some interesting observations upon the " disappearing hare" were made by Some interesting observations upon the " disappearing hare" were made by Mr. E. A. Rawlence in a paper on " Folk-lore Reminiscences" in vol.
xxxvii, p. 60, of the Dorset Field Club Proceedings (1916). xxxvii, p. 60, of the Dorset Field Club Proceedings (1916).
The following instances show that Dorset folk were not slow even in the The following instances show that Dorset folk were not slow even in the last quarter of the nineteenth century, to avail themselves of the remedy for " last quarter of the nineteenth century, to avail themselves of the remedy for " over-looking " here suggested when once they got the opportunity. The Rev. over-looking " here suggested when once they got the opportunity. The Rev. R. F
R. F. Meredi. Meredithth, r, rector ector of Halstock, wof Halstock, wririting ting to thto the Time Times es in Junin June, 18e, 1883, s83, saysays
:-"Th
"There ere is is no nno need eed to go to Wto go to West Prest Prussia ussia for wfor witchcraft towards itchcraft towards ththe end of thee end of the nineteenth century. In a parish where the counties of Devon, Dorset, and
nineteenth century. In a parish where the counties of Devon, Dorset, and Somerset meet, a young man, being afflicted with scrofula which caused at Somerset meet, a young man, being afflicted with scrofula which caused at times contraction of the muscles of the right thigh and very considerable times contraction of the muscles of the right thigh and very considerable pain, f
pain, formormed thed the idea the idea that a poor delicate womat a poor delicate woman an livilivinng g nnext ext door, wife of door, wife of aa labourer and mother of several children, had bewitched him, and one day in labourer and mother of several children, had bewitched him, and one day in his agony
his agony rushed into hrushed into her er houhouse se wiwith a large sth a large sewewing ning needleedle, and bee, and before thefore the woman had time to think, scratched her severely in the neck and in four woman had time to think, scratched her severely in the neck and in four places on h
places on her bare arm, er bare arm, drawidrawinng g blood in each blood in each instinstanance, thce, then en rubbed hrubbed hisis hand on the blood, and ram off. The poor woman came to me to complain, hand on the blood, and ram off. The poor woman came to me to complain, showing the scratches, and I advised her to take out a summons before the showing the scratches, and I advised her to take out a summons before the
ustice, but tim
ustice, but time pase passed. sed. ThThe youne young mg man, as usual, felan, as usual, felt relt relieveieved of his d of his painspains for a time, and his mother, a widow occupying a few acres of land with for a time, and his mother, a widow occupying a few acres of land with cows and pigs, tried to assure me that drawing the blood cured her son, for cows and pigs, tried to assure me that drawing the blood cured her son, for she conside
she considered red ththe other we other womoman han had ovad overlerlooked himooked him."."
Another case which came before the Sherborne magistrates is taken from the Another case which came before the Sherborne magistrates is taken from the Western Antiquary (which did not, by the by, often deal with Dorset
Western Antiquary (which did not, by the by, often deal with Dorset subjects) for December, 1884, p. 143, and from a similar account in the subjects) for December, 1884, p. 143, and from a similar account in the Folk-lore Journal for 1884, p. 349, from which it would appear that at Folk-lore Journal for 1884, p. 349, from which it would appear that at
Sherborne on the 19th September, 1884, an old woman named Sarah Smith, Sherborne on the 19th September, 1884, an old woman named Sarah Smith, who lived in Cold Harbour, and was 83 years of age and in receipt of paris who lived in Cold Harbour, and was 83 years of age and in receipt of paris relief, was violently attacked by a next-door neighbour, one Tamar
relief, was violently attacked by a next-door neighbour, one Tamar Hu
Hummphries, phries, a marriea married wd womoman, in order an, in order ththat that the le latter matter mighight draw t draw blood blood fromfrom the old woman, on the ground that she had bewitched her daughter, a
the old woman, on the ground that she had bewitched her daughter, a
confirmed invalid, suffering from rheumatism. It appeared from the report confirmed invalid, suffering from rheumatism. It appeared from the report that the poor old woman, who was well known as a quiet inoffensive
that the poor old woman, who was well known as a quiet inoffensive person, was in h
person, was in her garden er garden diggdigging ing potatpotatoes, when oes, when she was set ushe was set upon pon by by ththee defendant, who put her hands on her shoulders and said: "Oh! you Sal Smith, defendant, who put her hands on her shoulders and said: "Oh! you Sal Smith, what's thee done to my
what's thee done to my daugdaughthter er ? I'l? I'll dl draw raw ththe ble blood oood of thf thee." Theee." The defendan
defendant tht then repeatedlen repeatedly stabbed her y stabbed her wiwith a darningth a darning- o- or sr stockintocking-ng-needleedlee about her hands and arms, making them bleed, telling her at the same time about her hands and arms, making them bleed, telling her at the same time that she was a witch and that she would draw her blood for "witching" her that she was a witch and that she would draw her blood for "witching" her daughter.
daughter. Th
Ch
Chroniclronicle ie in Julyn July, 1887, 1887, i, in which a wn which a working orking mman conceived an conceived ththe ie idea dea ththatat certain mishaps which had recently occurred to him were the result of certain mishaps which had recently occurred to him were the result of supernatural agency employed by his next-door neighbour, a quiet
supernatural agency employed by his next-door neighbour, a quiet inoffensive woman, who felt the utmost indignation at the charge. Her inoffensive woman, who felt the utmost indignation at the charge. Her
accuser, however, was not to be pacified, but with a reap-hook in hand was accuser, however, was not to be pacified, but with a reap-hook in hand was about to tak
about to take we what hhat he consie considered dered to be eto be effffectual mectual means to " breans to " break theak the se spellpell"" when the interference of a third person prevented him from carrying out his when the interference of a third person prevented him from carrying out his design.
design.
Readers of the Wessex Novels will scarcely need to be reminded of the Readers of the Wessex Novels will scarcely need to be reminded of the vivid description of this cruel practice given in Thomas Hardy's Return of vivid description of this cruel practice given in Thomas Hardy's Return of th
the Native e Native (vol(vol. i. ii, i, p. 95)p. 95), w, where Susan Nuhere Susan Nunsunsuch attch attacks Eustacia acks Eustacia VVye wiye withth the object of " drawing " her blood, and pricks or stabs her with a "long the object of " drawing " her blood, and pricks or stabs her with a "long stocking
stocking-needle" -needle" ununder der ththe dee delusion that thlusion that this is waywawayward rd and iland ill-l-fated youfated youngng woman had bewitched her children. An additional interest is afforded in this woman had bewitched her children. An additional interest is afforded in this case—unlike the others which I have mentioned—from the fact that this
case—unlike the others which I have mentioned—from the fact that this gross
gross outoutrage took place rage took place in chuin church, thrch, the dele deluded womanuded woman, no doubt, beli, no doubt, believingeving that a fuller success would attend her " charm" if the supposed witch could that a fuller success would attend her " charm" if the supposed witch could bu
but be mt be met with et with attattenending ding divine service.divine service.
It was not always, however, considered necessary to resort to such drastic It was not always, however, considered necessary to resort to such drastic treatment in order to break the witch's spell, as we may learn from a
treatment in order to break the witch's spell, as we may learn from a
comparatively recent case of " overlooking " reported in the Dorset County comparatively recent case of " overlooking " reported in the Dorset County Chronicle in December, 1913, as having occurred near Dorchester—"
Chronicle in December, 1913, as having occurred near Dorchester—" within a few paces of the picturesque thatched house at Higher
within a few paces of the picturesque thatched house at Higher Bockh
Bockhamampton (Upton (Upper pper MellsMellstocktock), ), whereiwherein Mrn Mr. Thom. Thomas as Hardy waHardy was bs born "— orn "— in which a man, who had complained of the illness of his two daughters
in which a man, who had complained of the illness of his two daughters from som
from some obse obscure dicure diseassease, we, was as informinformed by a ed by a " w" white wihite witch " thtch " that that they andey and his family had been " overlooked by five evilly disposed women " ; and had his family had been " overlooked by five evilly disposed women " ; and had decl
declared ared ththat "unat "unlesless s ththe we whole famhole famililyy, ba, bag ang and bad baggggage, and chattage, and chattels els wewerere out of t
out of the hhe house and `over ouse and `over ththe hille hills as and far awnd far away' by hay' by half-paalf-past five st five on thon thee following Saturday afternoon the two girls would die, and moreover the following Saturday afternoon the two girls would die, and moreover the parent
parents would catch s would catch ththe me myysterious msterious malady analady and like wise md like wise meakeake a die o't." Ie a die o't." Itt appear
appeared that shortly before this time somed that shortly before this time some extraorde extraordinary thinary thingings had als had alsoso been
been exexperienced by perienced by ththe fate fathher, so ter, so thhat nat no delay occuo delay occurred in mrred in makaking ing ththee required move ; and, an empty cottage at Broadmayne having been
required move ; and, an empty cottage at Broadmayne having been
requisitioned, the whole family left for their new home. They arrived before requisitioned, the whole family left for their new home. They arrived before their furniture, and whilst waiting the father said to the daughter who had their furniture, and whilst waiting the father said to the daughter who had been
been taktaken en ill firsill first : " Yt : " You ou mmuust gst go into into tho the ne next ext room room nnow." ow." AnAnd, sayd, says ths thee report, " she was able to get up and walk into the room as well as any of the report, " she was able to get up and walk into the room as well as any of the others. The
others. The
spell was broken, and the girls both made a good recovery, as sudden as spell was broken, and the girls both made a good recovery, as sudden as
their ailing had been." their ailing had been."
Another of the milder methods of counteracting a witch's evil designs comes Another of the milder methods of counteracting a witch's evil designs comes from Purbeck, namely, by driving a nail through the centre of her foot-print from Purbeck, namely, by driving a nail through the centre of her foot-print on th
on the groune ground—thd—that isat is, if you can fin, if you can find id it—for a wt—for a witch is itch is gengeneralerally supposedly supposed to have the power of walking through any kind of soil without leaving any to have the power of walking through any kind of soil without leaving any trace behind.
trace behind.
It would appear from the following account sent by a correspondent, on the It would appear from the following account sent by a correspondent, on the aut
authority of a Dorsehority of a Dorsetshire cltshire clergyergymman, to Notes and Queries an, to Notes and Queries (Ser. i(Ser. iv, xv, xi, i, 341)341) that the power of the person supposed to be overlooking another did not that the power of the person supposed to be overlooking another did not always cease with the death of the overlooker, but that something further always cease with the death of the overlooker, but that something further was required before the evil influence could be said to have entirely was required before the evil influence could be said to have entirely departed. An under-gardener in a gentleman's service did not appear one departed. An under-gardener in a gentleman's service did not appear one morning at his usual time ; it turned out that he had been sitting up with a morning at his usual time ; it turned out that he had been sitting up with a dying man who he believed had bewitched him, in order that the moment the dying man who he believed had bewitched him, in order that the moment the man died he might set his foot on his neck, and so break the spell.
man died he might set his foot on his neck, and so break the spell. The foregoing cases are instances where the " overlooking " already The foregoing cases are instances where the " overlooking " already existed, and w
existed, and where mhere means weans were ere sougsought tht to " bo " break the spelreak the spell " l " ; but f; but frequentrequentlyly steps were taken in order to prevent the approach or advent of the evil. For steps were taken in order to prevent the approach or advent of the evil. For this purpose the use of " channs ", such as the nailing up of a horseshoe and this purpose the use of " channs ", such as the nailing up of a horseshoe and various other means, were adopted, presumably with more or less success. various other means, were adopted, presumably with more or less success. There were certain physical obstacles, too, which sometimes were
There were certain physical obstacles, too, which sometimes were supposed to stand in the witch's way; for instance, a witch was always supposed to stand in the witch's way; for instance, a witch was always considered to be hindered in working her spell if a stream of water should considered to be hindered in working her spell if a stream of water should happen t
happen to exist beo exist between her and her vitween her and her victimctim..
The late Mr. J. C. Mansel-Pleydell, in his above-mentioned paper on " The late Mr. J. C. Mansel-Pleydell, in his above-mentioned paper on " Sorcery and Witchcraft" (ante, p. 202), mentions one of these means of Sorcery and Witchcraft" (ante, p. 202), mentions one of these means of prevent
prevention, or " ion, or " supposed remsupposed remedy edy for dispossessfor dispossessing ing a bewitched a bewitched person ".person ". He says
He says
:-" A pig's heart, stuffed as full of bright, new pins as possible, is hung up in " A pig's heart, stuffed as full of bright, new pins as possible, is hung up in the chimney, sufficiently high to escape the chance of being consumed
the chimney, sufficiently high to escape the chance of being consumed
summarily by the flames and to be gradually dried up ; when the last pin has summarily by the flames and to be gradually dried up ; when the last pin has dropp
dropped out thed out the we witch is itch is supposed supposed to have no futo have no further hold on her virther hold on her victimctim."." Th
There ere does does not seem not seem to be, to be, so far so far as as I can gI can gathather, any er, any ideaidea
existing amongst Dorset folk as to witches being in the habit of meeting existing amongst Dorset folk as to witches being in the habit of meeting together for the purpose of working their spells, or other evil designs in together for the purpose of working their spells, or other evil designs in com
commmon—e.gon—e.g. s. somomewhat after the mewhat after the mannanner er relrelated of their ated of their fellowfellow-w-witches iitches inn Scotland (
Scotland (Cf. ShakCf. Shakespeaespeare're's s Macbeth anMacbeth and Burns's d Burns's TTam o' Shantam o' Shanter)er). The only. The only refere
reference of thnce of the kind rele kind relating tating to Dorso Dorsetshire that I can finetshire that I can find id is a s a statemstatementent made by the late William Barnes that many years ago he was told by a man made by the late William Barnes that many years ago he was told by a man of the neighbourhood of Leigh Common that a Corner of the common was of the neighbourhood of Leigh Common that a Corner of the common was
call
called " ed " WWitches' Coritches' Corner ", and thatner ", and that, l, long ong again aftagain after er ththat, a friat, a friend gave himend gave him some old depositions on witchcraft taken before Somersetshire magistrates some old depositions on witchcraft taken before Somersetshire magistrates from about the year 1650 to 1664. The cases were of Somersetshire, and from about the year 1650 to 1664. The cases were of Somersetshire, and touched in some points Dorsetshire, and one of the witches' sisterhood said touched in some points Dorsetshire, and one of the witches' sisterhood said that they sometimes met on Leigh Common. This proof of the meeting of the that they sometimes met on Leigh Common. This proof of the meeting of the witches on Leigh Common as the ground of the traditional name of Witches' witches on Leigh Common as the ground of the traditional name of Witches' Corner i
Corner is is intntereserestingting, Mr. Barnes r, Mr. Barnes rememarks, "as arks, "as a token of ta token of truth ruth in tradiin tradition."tion." I wonder if these were the depositions to which he referred in his " I wonder if these were the depositions to which he referred in his " Fore-say " to this book, when he Fore-says : " From an old deposition on witchcraft in say " to this book, when he says : " From an old deposition on witchcraft in Dorset we find that at some meetings which the witches held at night on a Dorset we find that at some meetings which the witches held at night on a common they made a waxen man-shape and christened it (christened it, common they made a waxen man-shape and christened it (christened it,
forsooth !) with the name of some unhappy man who was to be bewitched— forsooth !) with the name of some unhappy man who was to be bewitched— and thereafter he was bewitched—and his likeness was to be pricked with and thereafter he was bewitched—and his likeness was to be pricked with pins, wh
pins, which wouich would give hld give him im ththe pane panggs of ts of thhorns in orns in hhis flesh ; is flesh ; or his waxenor his waxen other self was to be holden before a fire, so that at the melting of it he other self was to be holden before a fire, so that at the melting of it he
himself would pine away; and we find in the answer of the witch of Horace, himself would pine away; and we find in the answer of the witch of Horace, Canidia (Canidice Responsio, Epodon xvii) that she was wont to use the Canidia (Canidice Responsio, Epodon xvii) that she was wont to use the same like wicked mystery with waxen statuary."
same like wicked mystery with waxen statuary." Roberts,
Roberts, in his Hisin his History of Ltory of Lymyme Regis e Regis (p. (p. 261), 261), wrwriting niting nearlearly a centuy a century ago,ry ago, says that
says that :-Of su
Of superstitiouperstitious bels belief in wiief in witchtches aes annd evil d evil spirispirits thts there ere still still appear sappear somomee traces. Our vessels and many houses have an old horse-shoe nailed up. No traces. Our vessels and many houses have an old horse-shoe nailed up. No on
one now likes to own a belief in evil spie now likes to own a belief in evil spirits or rits or witches, buwitches, but cont considers siders itit would be a pity to receive harm from neglecting so easy a precaution. In would be a pity to receive harm from neglecting so easy a precaution. In some ch
some chimnimneys a peys a piece iece of bacon, stuck with pins, used to bof bacon, stuck with pins, used to be se suspenuspended toded to interrupt witches in their descent, and so prevent their visit. Toads that interrupt witches in their descent, and so prevent their visit. Toads that gained access to a cellar or house were ejected with the greatest care, and gained access to a cellar or house were ejected with the greatest care, and no injury was offered, because these were regarded, as being used as
no injury was offered, because these were regarded, as being used as familiars by witches, with veneration or awe."
familiars by witches, with veneration or awe."
An interesting illustration of that to which Mr. Roberts alludes occurred An interesting illustration of that to which Mr. Roberts alludes occurred some forty years ago in the parish of Hawk-church, West Dorset, an account some forty years ago in the parish of Hawk-church, West Dorset, an account of which appeared in the Bridport News in March, 1884. A new tenant had of which appeared in the Bridport News in March, 1884. A new tenant had recently entered into possession of a house in the village which had just recently entered into possession of a house in the village which had just been
been vacated, whvacated, when en it was necessary it was necessary to displace what to displace what was thouwas thougghht tt to be ao be a lodgment in one of the chimneys. The obstruction was got out, and was lodgment in one of the chimneys. The obstruction was got out, and was fou
found to be neither brind to be neither brick nck nor or stone, but a bustone, but a bullllock's heart, iock's heart, intnto wo which washich was stuck a quantity of the prickles of the white thorn, some nails, pins, and other stuck a quantity of the prickles of the white thorn, some nails, pins, and other th
thingings. This s. This bullock's bullock's heart, in exactly thheart, in exactly the se samame se state in which it wtate in which it wasas
removed from the chimney of the cottage at Hawkchurch, is now, or was, in removed from the chimney of the cottage at Hawkchurch, is now, or was, in the Literary Institute at Bridport, and was exhibited at the meeting of the the Literary Institute at Bridport, and was exhibited at the meeting of the
Dorse
Dorset Fielt Field Club at that town in Julyd Club at that town in July, 188, 1889, w9, when hen I mI myself saw yself saw it. Itit. It present
presented a very ed a very drydry, sh, shrivelrivelled, and led, and almalmost most muummmmified appearance,ified appearance, evidently having been in the smoke for many years. A correspondent evidently having been in the smoke for many years. A correspondent
suggested that as the late occupant was a bachelor, possibly he might have suggested that as the late occupant was a bachelor, possibly he might have used the " charm " to ward off the attacks of the ladies and to prevent " used the " charm " to ward off the attacks of the ladies and to prevent " witches " from getting access to the house by means of the chimney! This witches " from getting access to the house by means of the chimney! This correspondent is undoubtedly right in conjecturing that the obstacle in the correspondent is undoubtedly right in conjecturing that the obstacle in the chimney was intended to act as a charm, for a bullock's heart so placed was chimney was intended to act as a charm, for a bullock's heart so placed was always considered by superstitious Dorset folk to be the most effective way always considered by superstitious Dorset folk to be the most effective way of keeping
of keeping wiwitchtches es or or fairifairies es out of a houout of a house, se, as as it wit was as by thby the chime chimney ney ththeyey were generally supposed to effect an entrance. More especially is the charm were generally supposed to effect an entrance. More especially is the charm to be depended upon if the animal's heart (as in this case) be previously to be depended upon if the animal's heart (as in this case) be previously studded with prickles of thorns, nails, or pins, in the same way as Mr. studded with prickles of thorns, nails, or pins, in the same way as Mr. Roberts mentioned with regard to pieces of bacon used for the similar Roberts mentioned with regard to pieces of bacon used for the similar pu
purpose. In rpose. In order to morder to makake the the che charm arm mmore effore efficacious, " micacious, " maiden " aiden " ththornsorns should be used ; that is, thorns that have been grown the same year in which should be used ; that is, thorns that have been grown the same year in which they were picked.
they were picked.
The same paper in April, 1901, mentions a similar case as occurring at The same paper in April, 1901, mentions a similar case as occurring at Shipton Gorge, which carries the belief in such
Shipton Gorge, which carries the belief in such practices in W
practices in West Doest Dorset urset up to p to ththe bege beginninning ing of tof thhe presente present centu
centuryry. It says "A week or . It says "A week or two atwo ago thgo the se son of Mron of Mr. Fow. Fowler, sler, sweweep, of ep, of
Bridport, while sweeping a chimney in one of the cottages in Shipton came Bridport, while sweeping a chimney in one of the cottages in Shipton came upon a curious relic of past days. He had reason to go up the chimney, and upon a curious relic of past days. He had reason to go up the chimney, and about eight or ten feet from the ground he found an old canvas bag, hanging about eight or ten feet from the ground he found an old canvas bag, hanging or fixed in a cranny of the wall, and inside this was discovered, wrapped in or fixed in a cranny of the wall, and inside this was discovered, wrapped in paper, a
paper, a hhard and dried buard and dried bullock's hllock's heart, stueart, stuck ck ththrougrough h anand thd througrough h wiwithth thorns and pins. This is the fourth heart of the kind found in chimneys in the thorns and pins. This is the fourth heart of the kind found in chimneys in the neig
neighbouhbourhood wrhood within tithin the last few he last few years. years. ThThis is was was one of thone of the charms againste charms against the witch's spell in days gone by, and was hung in the chimney with the idea the witch's spell in days gone by, and was hung in the chimney with the idea that the pins and thorns added torment to the witch and broke her spell." that the pins and thorns added torment to the witch and broke her spell."
The late Mr. Bosworth Smith, in his Bird Life and Bird Lore (1909), p. 366, The late Mr. Bosworth Smith, in his Bird Life and Bird Lore (1909), p. 366, spoke of the beli
spoke of the belief in thef in the "evie "evil el eye ", and in thye ", and in the bewe bewitching itching of cattle andof cattle and persons, as still li
persons, as still linnggering ering on on in Bin Binginghhamam's Melcom's Melcombe anbe and thd the surroue surrounndingding villages. And he mentioned the practice of sticking pins into a bullock's or villages. And he mentioned the practice of sticking pins into a bullock's or oth
other er animanimal'al's heart as heart as ss still till followfollowed ied in thn that neighat neighbourhood. Bubourhood. But in tht in thee instan
instance he there gave of this having been carrce he there gave of this having been carried ied out onout only a year ly a year or or twotwo before, t
before, thhe " che " charm arm " would seem " would seem to hto have been ave been uused rathsed rather as a remer as a remedy edy or or cure for the bewitching or overlooking than as a preventive against the spell cure for the bewitching or overlooking than as a preventive against the spell being
being cast. Icast. In n ththis case this case the he heart, " besteart, " bestuuck ck wiwith th pins tpins till iill it bristled all over t bristled all over with them ", was set before a fire ; and then " as it begins to glow and frizzle with them ", was set before a fire ; and then " as it begins to glow and frizzle
the power of the witch or wizard gradually diminishes, and when at last it the power of the witch or wizard gradually diminishes, and when at last it bu
burst with rst with ththe he heat teat thhe spell ie spell is broken s broken anand thd the witchcrafe witchcraft overt over."."
Much in the same way, and for the same reasons, that the South African Much in the same way, and for the same reasons, that the South African nat
native triive tribesmanbesman, th, the supposed e supposed victim of sorcervictim of sorceryy, , would swould set in met in motion thotion the "e " wi
witchtch-doctor -doctor " of his v" of his vilillages ; olages ; or or of thf the We West Africest African nan negro, eiegro, eithther er at homat homee or in those more civilized countries (e.g. the West Indies) to which slavery or in those more civilized countries (e.g. the West Indies) to which slavery has consigned him, would invoke the assistance of the " obeah-man " for the has consigned him, would invoke the assistance of the " obeah-man " for the protect
protection of ion of hhimimself, hself, his cattle, or his cattle, or his cropsis crops, so th, so the Dorsetshe Dorsetshireire
(( I do not include i I do not include in this tn this the darker forms of she darker forms of so-callo-called witchcraft ed witchcraft whichwhich culminated in the hideous orgies of the cult of " Voodooism ", as it existed culminated in the hideous orgies of the cult of " Voodooism ", as it existed in Hayti and other places. See my paper on " Obeah in the West Indies ", in Hayti and other places. See my paper on " Obeah in the West Indies ", in Folk-Lore, vol. xxvi
in Folk-Lore, vol. xxvi, p. 255 (1915)., p. 255 (1915). peasant
peasant—an—and somd sometimetimes his mes his master—stealthaster—stealthily conily consultsults ths the "wise-e "wise-womwomanan"" or "cunning-man" of the neighbourhood whenever he imagines either himsel or "cunning-man" of the neighbourhood whenever he imagines either himsel or his property to be under the malefic influence of the " evil eye ".
or his property to be under the malefic influence of the " evil eye ". These "wise' women " and "cunning men" I have at times attained These "wise' women " and "cunning men" I have at times attained
considerable notoriety for their imaginary powers and the supposed efficacy considerable notoriety for their imaginary powers and the supposed efficacy of their spells or charms; and superstitious persons from far and near were of their spells or charms; and superstitious persons from far and near were draw
drawn to thn to them fem for or ththe purchase oe purchase of thf their eir charmcharms os or the benefit of thr the benefit of their eir adviadvice;ce; often
often to thto the no small hurt, I am e no small hurt, I am afraidafraid, of His , of His Majesty's lMajesty's liege subjeciege subjects, and tots, and to th
the no small gain of these une no small gain of these unscrscrupuupulous charllous charlatans. Mratans. Mr. Raw. Rawlence rlence refers efers to ato a "wise woman " he had heard of, always picking her herbs at midnight on a "wise woman " he had heard of, always picking her herbs at midnight on a full moon as they were more potent then. He also speaks of this woman as full moon as they were more potent then. He also speaks of this woman as standing in front of a trap with a sick patient in it, and making great
standing in front of a trap with a sick patient in it, and making great
flourishes in the air with a willow wand, probably exorcizing some demon. flourishes in the air with a willow wand, probably exorcizing some demon. " But," he adds, " after all it will be seen that the real cures come from the " But," he adds, " after all it will be seen that the real cures come from the herb remedies, and that suggestions about an evil eye and flourishing the herb remedies, and that suggestions about an evil eye and flourishing the wand ar
wand are only adjuncte only adjuncts to s to play on thplay on the ie igngnorance of her orance of her patients."patients."
The spells by which the " overlooking " was attempted to be carried out The spells by which the " overlooking " was attempted to be carried out took various for
took various formms. Mr. Raws. Mr. Rawlence, ilence, in a lan a later volter volumume the of samee the of same
Proceedings, xxxvii, p. 59 (1916), gives a long account of one that was " Proceedings, xxxvii, p. 59 (1916), gives a long account of one that was " worked " upon a farmer (
worked " upon a farmer ( " " Cunnen man : (ACunnen man : (A-S. cunnan, to know) -S. cunnan, to know) AA cunning man, or wizard. A
cunning man, or wizard. A man to whom is iman to whom is imputed supernatural mputed supernatural knowledge, and of whom folk inquire after lost goods." (Barnes's knowledge, and of whom folk inquire after lost goods." (Barnes's Glossary, 1863.)
Glossary, 1863.)
in a village near Sherborne by means of a bottle filled with evil-smelling in a village near Sherborne by means of a bottle filled with evil-smelling contents that was discovered buried underneath a dead apple tree on the contents that was discovered buried underneath a dead apple tree on the farm, and he relates the steps that were taken, on the advice of a " wise farm, and he relates the steps that were taken, on the advice of a " wise woman ", to successfully counteract its ill effects.
woman ", to successfully counteract its ill effects.
Men of this class were often called " white witches ". From the Men of this class were often called " white witches ". From the
corr
correspoespondenndence ice in connn connection wiection with tth the case he case ththat came before the Guat came before the Guardiardiansans of th
of the Shaftesbury Ue Shaftesbury Union alrenion already allady alluded to. iuded to. it appeart appeared that not long ed that not long since since aa " cunning man " used to hold an annual levee in the neighbourhood of
" cunning man " used to hold an annual levee in the neighbourhood of Stalbr
Stalbridge, widge, when hen he sold he sold out tout to cro crowds owds ththat that throngronged red rounound him td him the legs tornhe legs torn from the bodies of living toads and placed in a bag which was worn round from the bodies of living toads and placed in a bag which was worn round the neck of a patient, and counted a sovereign remedy for scrofula and the " the neck of a patient, and counted a sovereign remedy for scrofula and the " overlooked ". It was called " Toad Fair ". Mr. Rawlence, at p. 85 of his overlooked ". It was called " Toad Fair ". Mr. Rawlence, at p. 85 of his earlier paper, speaks of one John Bucklajid, who lived about fifty years ago earlier paper, speaks of one John Bucklajid, who lived about fifty years ago at a house in King Stag, just north of the Blackmore Vale Dairy. He was at a house in King Stag, just north of the Blackmore Vale Dairy. He was known as " Dr. Buckland ", and he held what was known as a " twoad vair known as " Dr. Buckland ", and he held what was known as a " twoad vair ", which took place at the change of the moon in the month of May, and was ", which took place at the change of the moon in the month of May, and was for the cure of per
for the cure of persons affected wsons affected with thith the kinge king's 's evilevil, r, rununninning or tubercular g or tubercular wounds. He says
wounds. He says :-"Dr. Bu
"Dr. Buckland collckland collected a ected a larlarge nge numumber ber of toads, of toads, and thand the affected pere affected personson had to open his or
had to open his or her clher clothothing on ing on to thto their eir bare bare chest. Thchest. The doce doctor then seizedtor then seized a toad, cut off its head, and popped the writhing body into a muslin bag, a toad, cut off its head, and popped the writhing body into a muslin bag, which was dropped down the chest of the patient and suspended round his which was dropped down the chest of the patient and suspended round his neck. If the patient endured the shock of the cold toad and the ` scrablen ' of neck. If the patient endured the shock of the cold toad and the ` scrablen ' of its legs in its death throes, he would be healed; but if he ' turned '—i.e.
its legs in its death throes, he would be healed; but if he ' turned '—i.e. becam
became faine faint or nt or nauseatauseated ued unnder thder the exe experience, hperience, he would die."e would die."
For an account of a similar individual who lived at Lydlinch and had a great For an account of a similar individual who lived at Lydlinch and had a great reputation, see the L
reputation, see the Life of Wife of Wililliliam Bam Barnes (arnes (p. 15p. 155), 5), by hby his is daugdaughthter, Mrs.er, Mrs. Baxt
Baxter, publiser, published in 1887.hed in 1887. Roberts,
Roberts, in his Hisin his History of Ltory of Lymyme Regis, e Regis, speaks ospeaks of one who lif one who lived aved at Wt Westest Leigh, on the Tiverton and Wellington Canal, to whom persons who either Leigh, on the Tiverton and Wellington Canal, to whom persons who either had lost property, had been charged with theft, or had had very ill luck had lost property, had been charged with theft, or had had very ill luck would go from Lyme Regis, a distance of 30 miles, for the purpose of would go from Lyme Regis, a distance of 30 miles, for the purpose of consulti
consulting thng this is famfamousous white witch ".
white witch ". It was
It was hardly to be shardly to be supposed that Wupposed that Wililliliam Bam Barnes iarnes in thn those ose charmcharming pictuing picturesres he has given us of Dorset rustic life would omit all reference to witchcraft ; he has given us of Dorset rustic life would omit all reference to witchcraft ; so we find that in one of his dialect poems he treats in a delightfully
so we find that in one of his dialect poems he treats in a delightfully humorous way of a dozen different forms of bewitching or overlooking humorous way of a dozen different forms of bewitching or overlooking
which may befall, in person or estate, any peasant or his employer who may which may befall, in person or estate, any peasant or his employer who may have been so unfortunate as to incur the displeasure of such a " sly wold have been so unfortunate as to incur the displeasure of such a " sly wold witch " as he there depicts. At the same time he mentions two of the most witch " as he there depicts. At the same time he mentions two of the most widely recognized " charms " for the prevention or cure of the spell.
widely recognized " charms " for the prevention or cure of the spell.
I take the following lines from " A Witch " (p. 173) of the complete edition : I take the following lines from " A Witch " (p. 173) of the complete edition : —
—
' An' zoo, they soon began to vind That she'd agone an' left behind Her evil ' An' zoo, they soon began to vind That she'd agone an' left behind Her evil
