There is also the case of Simon Penbrooke, living in St. George’s
Parish, Southwark. He was suspected to be a conjurer, and was summoned
before a court holden in the church of St. Mary Overies either for that
or for some other case. As he was talking to a proctor, presumably
about his defence, he suddenly fell dead, just as the Judge entered the
church. Of course the Judge remarked that it was the just judgment of
God towards those that used sorcery, “and a great example to admonish
others to fear the justice of God.” They found upon him certain
“develish” books of conjuration, with a tin man and other fearful
things. And they were reminded of Leviticus xx. 6, “If anie soule turne
himselfe after such as woorke with spirits and after soothsaiers, saith
the Lorde, I will put my face against that soule, and will cut him off
from among my people.”
Another form of witchcraft was that of the professional conjurer. There
was, for instance, the case of William Randoll, who was charged with
conjuring to know where treasure was hid in the earth. Four others were
charged with assisting at the conjuration. One has no doubt of the
fact or of the means employed. Randoll used, of course, the well-known
bent stick, the “verge de Jacob,” which is still employed all over the
world for the discovery of water, though its properties and powers in
revealing the existence of metals have been of late neglected, and are
now nearly forgotten. The whole of the accused were condemned to death,
but in the end Randoll alone was executed. There was said at the time
to be five hundred professed conjurers in the country.
The origin of touching for the King’s Evil is recounted by Stow in his
_Annals_ in the following manner:—
“A young woman was afflicted with this disorder in a very alarming
manner, and to a most disgusting degree, feeling uneasiness and pain
consequent upon it in her sleep, dreamt that she should be cured by
the simple operation of having the part washed by the King’s hand.
Application was consequently made to Edward, by her friends, who very
humanely consented to perform the unpleasant request. A bason of water
was brought, with which he carefully softened the tumours till they
broke, and the contents discharged; the sign of the cross wound up the
charm; and the female retired, with the assurance of his protection
during the remainder of the cure, which was effected within a week.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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