Sarah Bright was hanged at Manningtree, Essex, England ca 1645
'The burning times' is a phrase that is often used to describe the times of the witch-hunts ~ but it must be noted that as far as history tells us, no witches were actually burned in England (although many were tried and found guilty in Scotland, and suffered death by burning as punishment). This does not diminish the torture and pain that anyone accused of witchcraft was subjected to ~ many women, moreso than men, were pricked with a long needle until a place was found where no blood poured forth from a wound ~ achieved by the needle being used being able to retract into a handle, and thus do no damage. Men and young children were usually tried and punished simply by association. Accused witches were also 'walked' ~ forcefully kept pacing up and down in a room, in a state of exhaustion and never allowed to sit or sleep until they admitted to being 'in league with the devil' ~ then their fate was sealed. This was said to be a favourite 'past-time' of Matthew Hopkins, Witchfinder General.
Whether burned, drowned (trial by water) or tragically died whilst awaiting trial, the fate of these men, women, and children must not be allowed to become a part of our history that is forgotten or dismissed as a fairy-tale.
The ‘Burning Times’ is something that must never happen again; people should have the freedom to follow any peaceful religion or set of beliefs they wish to, without the fear of persecution.
If you are interested please go here:
http://www.geocities.com/witchofsolstice/Adopt.html
IM with any questions...
In Love & Light... Blessed Be!
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