Witch trials and witch related accusations were at a high during the early modern period in Britain, a time that spanned from the beginning of the 16th century to the end of the 18th century.
Prior to the 16th century, Witchcraft -- i.e. any magical or supernatural practices made by mankind -- was often seen as a healing art, performed by people referred to as the cunning folk. It was later believed to be Satanic in origin[1] and thus sparked a series of laws being passed and trials being conducted, with it becoming a capital offense in 1542.[2]
The Witchcraft Act 1735 (9 Geo. 2. c. 5) reversed the law, making it illegal not to practice witchcraft but to either claim that there were people with magical powers or to accuse someone of being a witch in Great Britain,[3] (though these crimes were no longer punishable by death).