Due to the nature of this case, listener discretion is advised. This episode includes discussions

of murder. Consider this when deciding how and when you'll listen.

In 16th century England, some people believed witchcraft was behind any bad fortune like plagues, poor harvests, or even death.

It went so far that Parliament passed a law that made witchcraft a crime.

Between 1560 and 1700, 513 people, usually poor women, were put on trial for witchcraft,

112 of which were put to death. The laws were repealed in 1736, but sorcery was still

in the public consciousness nearly 60 years later when a woman named Mary Bateman became known as the Yorkshire witch.

The charms she crafted certainly convinced many of her magical power,

but was Mary a sorceress Or just a scammer?

I'm Vanessa Richardson, and this is Serial Killers, a Spotify podcast. You can find us here

every Monday. Be sure to check us out on Instagram at Serial Killers Podcast. We'd love to hear from

you. If you're listening on the Spotify app,

swipe up and give us your thoughts. This week, we're examining the story of Mary Bateman,

known as the Yorkshire Witch. Mary started out innocently enough, telling fortunes to wealthy

women in her village. But soon, Mary learned how she could use her supposed powers to lie, steal,

and even kill. Stay with us.

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