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Quiz about Robert Neill  Mist Over Pendle
Quiz about Robert Neill  Mist Over Pendle

Robert Neill - Mist Over Pendle Quiz


'Mist Over Pendle' is a part fact, part fiction account of the committal of the Pendle witches in 1612.

A multiple-choice quiz by Isipingo. Estimated time: 5 mins.
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Author
Isipingo
Time
5 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
398,720
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Tough
Avg Score
6 / 10
Plays
77
- -
Question 1 of 10
1. In 'Mist Over Pendle', what is the name of the fictional central character who is sent from London to stay with Roger Nowell at Read Hall? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. In 'Mist Over Pendle', who were the Justices of the Peace and Quorum who committed the witches for trial at the Assize Court of Oyer and Terminer? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. What were the real names of Old Demdike and Chattox, the aged heads of the two main families accused of witchcraft in 'Mist Over Pendle'? Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. In 'Mist Over Pendle', what were the names of the four witches initially arrested and sent for trial to Lancaster? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. In 'Mist Over Pendle', what is the name of the puritan miller and churchwarden whose 12-year-old daughter died, allegedly of witches' harm? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. In 'Mist Over Pendle', what was the name of the rich woman who was part of the second group of witches arrested and sent for trial? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. It is suggested in the 'Mist Over Pendle' that, although the witches are casting spells and firmly believe in their own powers, the actual cause of death was which poison? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. In 'Mist Over Pendle', who was the main informant against the witches? Hint


Question 9 of 10
9. In 'Mist Over Pendle', why were the second group of witches arrested? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. Whose book did Robert Neill use to find the information he needed to write 'Mist Over Pendle'? Hint



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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. In 'Mist Over Pendle', what is the name of the fictional central character who is sent from London to stay with Roger Nowell at Read Hall?

Answer: Marjorie Whittaker

Roger Nowell (and the fictitious Margery) were related to Alexander Nowell who was the Dean of St Paul's and author of the catechism, part of which survives in the "Book of Common Prayer". Roger Nowell did not write well - some documents written by him have survived - but someone sat with him and wrote an account of the arrests of the witches.

The real Marjorie was probably a dry-as-dust judge's clerk!
2. In 'Mist Over Pendle', who were the Justices of the Peace and Quorum who committed the witches for trial at the Assize Court of Oyer and Terminer?

Answer: Roger Nowell and Nicholas Bannister

There were other Justices - such as Thomas Heber who was Roger Nowell's son-in-law. Roger Nowell and Nicholas Bannister were also members of the Quorum - justices set apart as knowing more of the law than the rest. The word is still used in constitutions to stipulate the minimum number of members of a committee required to make decisions.
3. What were the real names of Old Demdike and Chattox, the aged heads of the two main families accused of witchcraft in 'Mist Over Pendle'?

Answer: Elizabeth Sowtherns and Ann Whittle

Both women were over 80 and had been known as witches for about 50 years. The two families had an on-going feud which apparently started when a member of the Chattox family broke into the Malkin Tower (Demdike's home) and stole something of value to her family.
4. In 'Mist Over Pendle', what were the names of the four witches initially arrested and sent for trial to Lancaster?

Answer: Demdike, Chattox, Alison Device and Ann Redfearn

Alison Device, Old Demdike's grand-daughter, was accused of bewitching John Law (Fat Jack), a pedlar, because he refused to open his pack and either give or sell her some pins. Alison cursed him; he ran away and promptly collapsed. His son, Abraham Law, dragged Alison to his father and told her to lift the spell. Alison confessed to having bewitched him and the other three women became incriminated. John Law was heavily built, he had a heavy pack, it was a hot day and he ran up a hill.

It seems more likely that he simply had a stroke but Alison definitely believed in the curse.
5. In 'Mist Over Pendle', what is the name of the puritan miller and churchwarden whose 12-year-old daughter died, allegedly of witches' harm?

Answer: Richard Baldwin

In 'Mist Over Pendle', her name is given as Margaret but her name was not actually given in the trial records.
6. In 'Mist Over Pendle', what was the name of the rich woman who was part of the second group of witches arrested and sent for trial?

Answer: Alice Nutter

According to historical records, Alice Nutter was a widow but in 'Mist Over Pendle', her husband is still alive although he is not involved in witchcraft and leaves Pendle before his wife is arrested. Several of her husband's family did die under mysterious circumstances over a number of years - but always to the benefit of Alice Nutter.
7. It is suggested in the 'Mist Over Pendle' that, although the witches are casting spells and firmly believe in their own powers, the actual cause of death was which poison?

Answer: Atropine

Atropine is called after the third Fate, Atropos, who cuts the thread of life. Italians called it belladonna because ladies would squeeze drops into their eyes as an aid to beauty. Victims die crazed and raving with staring eyes. We call it digitalis or foxglove.
8. In 'Mist Over Pendle', who was the main informant against the witches?

Answer: Jennet Device

Old Demdike had a daughter, Elizabeth Device (Squinting Lizzie) who had at least three children, James, Alison and Jennet. Jennet was 9 years old but under the law at that time she was allowed to give evidence in court which she did, standing on a table. Her mother, Elizabeth Device, screamed and cursed her so badly that she had to be removed from the courtroom. (The last bit is history and not in 'Mist Over Pendle).
9. In 'Mist Over Pendle', why were the second group of witches arrested?

Answer: Plotting to rescue the first group from prison

There was a large meeting on Good Friday at the Malkin Tower (Demdike's home). The justices were informed that it had taken place. The witches were allegedly making plans to kill Thomas Covell, the governor of the jail at Lancaster Castle, blow up the jail and rescue Demdike and the other three witches.

When the group were arrested, the long standing feud meant that both families made accusations against the other so they all ended up being committed to the Assizes.
10. Whose book did Robert Neill use to find the information he needed to write 'Mist Over Pendle'?

Answer: Master Thomas Potts

Master Thomas Potts was the clerk to the judges, Sir Edward Bromley and Sir James Altham. He wrote an account of the trial called 'The Wonderful Discovery of Witches in the County of Lancaster'. Several of the witches refused to confess again at the gallows and this caused doubts about whether the witches were guilty or not so the judges ordered that the book be published.
Source: Author Isipingo

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor MotherGoose before going online.
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