Witches of Belvoir 'may have been framed'

[Still Waters]

While the Halloween stereotype of a witch is of a wizened evil crone, witches were often ordinary women persecuted over disputes or because they had "ideas above their station".

Now, fresh research suggests three so-called witches blamed for cursing a nobleman's sons may have been framed.

The year is 1619 and sisters Margaret and Philippa Flower are hanged.

http://www.bbc.co.uk...ngland-24748721

[Simbi Laveau]

I would say this happened quite often actually

[PersonFromPorlock]

Unless witches are real, they were most certainly framed!

[Bendy Demon]

Unless witches are real, they were most certainly framed!

It doesn't matter if they were "real" or not. All someone had to do is whimper that so-and-so was a witch because they either said something they didn't like or opposed those in power or basically anything.

Often it was enough to earn someone jail time, torture and/or death.

Seems that many of the accusations were political moves to gain favor and, of course, eliminate opposition.

At least this is what I read.

[Skep B]

May have been? in 2013 we're saying women killed as witches MAY have been framed?

well hell

While we're at it, Springheeled Jack may not have been a magic flying rapist, or La Llorena may not run around stealing children as an immortal ghost.

[Keel M.]

Unless witches are real, they were most certainly framed!

Now you have me wondering if I'm real.