J1422

Memorandum sent by a justice to Sir Rowland St John, concerning William Hillary of Werrington, accused of obtaining money under false pretence of curing the daughter of Thos Foscot of Woodforde who was bewitched.

Not dated, before 1655

From: 1640 To: 1654

The following is rough transcript. ? represents a word which it has not been possible to make out, [?] indicates the transcription may not be correct. Medm that William Hillary of Werrington was brought before me the 16 of March for cosening of Tho: Foscot of Woodfore of certaine money under coll[?] of cuering the daughter of the said Foscot of a desease where with she was then visited the said Hillary making them believe that she was bewitched whereof Edwards now doubt but to recover hir but having gotten money into his hands never came[?] untill he was apphended by my warrant at wch tyme apen ? he said that he was a phisition by vocation licenced by the Bishop of Peterborough and after said he was licenced by the king and refused to answer unto any other questions saying that I was too maddish and a great deale of other ? stuffe shewing that he did either notoriously conterfeit or was wch Frachet thinks ? extreamely drunken: for he said also that he would make me report it if I did send him to the gaole or sett him in the stocks for he was the kings friend. And did sware and curse most prophanely, sans nomber. The next day he said that he lived by the practise of Phisick and was allowed by the Bishop of Peterborough for that he did practise under him. he said that by his judgment as a figury he did helpe men to stealen goods and that he would not tell ? what Bookes he had read to informe this judgment therein unless I did understand it better and that I did him wrong to examine him sore streightly. and he caused a napkin to be wrapped all night around the midle of hir whom he undertooke to cuer that he might thereby peceive[?] whither she were bewitched or not for if she were bewitched said he the napkin in mesuring would not fall out ? And that he hath cured ? that have been bewitched by prayer & noe ?

item

St John, Rowland,
Hillary, William,
Foscot, Thomas

witchcraft, false pretences, Peterborough, Werrington