by Liz Baalham | Feb 1, 2026 | Babergh, Lavenham, Lavenham
While in Lavenham, Stearne heard the confession of Anne Randall, who admitted to serving the Devil for over thirty years with the aid of two kitten-imps named ‘Jacob’ and ‘Hangman.’ She confessed to raising a storm that killed William Baldwin’s horses after he refused...
by Liz Baalham | Feb 1, 2026 | Babergh, Gt Waldingfield and Acton
John Bysack confessed to having made a pact with the devil in the shape of a dog. In exchange for his blood Bysack had received six imps, all in the form of snails. His wife Goodwife Bysack was also searched but cleared.
by Liz Baalham | Feb 1, 2026 | Babergh, Long Melford
During his searches Stearne stayed in Long Melford, his childhood village. During one of these stays the first male to be accused handed himself over, Alexander Sussums. Stearne searched him personally and found two ‘witch marks’. Sussums was sent for trial but was...
by Liz Baalham | Feb 1, 2026 | Babergh, Sudbury
According to John Stearne Anne Boreham was tempted by demons to forsake Christ, follow the devil, and do his work in return for various rewards. In all probability Sudbury provided many more women accused of witches than just Anne alone. The town accounts for 1645...
by Liz Baalham | Feb 1, 2026 | Babergh, Polstead
Joan Ruce was a widow who had been modestly well-off until 1640. She fell under the suspicion of her neighbors after several of their livestock died. Under interrogation by Stearne, she confessed to having ‘familiars’, three mice named Touch, Pluck, and Take. She...
