Thomas Potts' famous account of the Pendle witch trials of 1612 is the only original source of information about the events, and in this new version historian Robert Poole makes the text accessible and usable for 21st-century readers.

The Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster is the account of a series of English witch trials that took place on 18-19 August 1612, commonly known as the Lancashire witch trials. Except for one trial held in York they took place at Lancaster Assizes. Of the twenty men and women accused - amongst them the Pendle witches and the Samlesbury witches - eleven were found guilty and subsequently hanged; one was sentenced to stand in the pillory, and the rest were acquitted. Thomas Potts, the clerk to the Lancaster Assizes, was ordered by the trial judges Sir James Altham and Sir Edward Bromley to write an account of the proceedings, making them some of the most famous and best recorded witch trials of the 17th century.

The Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster

Thomas Potts, a prominent figure in the legal world of the early 17th century, penned 'Discovery of Witches. The Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster' to meticulously document the infamous Pendle witch trials of 1612. Written in a straightforward and factual style, the book provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the trials, the testimonies of witnesses, and the proceedings in court. Potts's work serves as a valuable historical and legal resource, shedding light on the superstitions and fears surrounding witchcraft in that era. The book's significance lies in its role in shaping public perceptions of witchcraft and the justice system during that time. Readers will find themselves immersed in a gripping narrative that explores the intersection of law, superstition, and societal norms in 17th-century England. 'Discovery of Witches' offers a captivating glimpse into a dark chapter of history, making it a must-read for those interested in the occult, legal history, and cultural practices of the past.