We've heard about Miller's The Crucible
And the Salem witch trials but these followed
Similar trials in England, in Pendle
And Northamptonshire. The seeds were first sown
When James I came to the English throne
A staunch Protestant who hated witchcraft
Fearing its influence, making this known
So local magistrates could now get tough
On those troublesome families who lived rough
And stole a sheep, especially when female
Influence was strong. 1612 alone
Saw sixteen executions. In the Staffs
Town of Lichfield that year, the terrible
Sight of the last burning at the stake glowed
This last occasion referred to was the burning of Edward Wightman, who was the last person so dispatched in England for heresy, believing himself to be Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Elijah.
I think you could develop this further ... can't we have a sonnet to Wightman?
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