Witchcraft in Stanford Rivers

1586 Essex Lent Sessions and General Gaol Delivery holden at Chelmsford 3rd March 28 Eliz.

Anne Joyce, wife of John Joyce of Stanforde Ryvers, labourer, 0n 20 Apl.,27 Eliz., at Stanforde Ryvers bewitched to death 6 sheep and 6 lambs of the goods and chattels of John Fuller of Stanford Rivers.

And on 28 June, 27 Eliz., at Stanforde Ryvers, bewitched to death 2 cows of the goods and chattels of John Fuller.
Endorsed – Billa vera. Po se non cull.

On 1 Apl., 26 Eliz., at Stanforde Ryvers bewitched to death 9 hogs and 1 cow of the goods and chattels of John Herd. And on the 4 Apl., at Stanforde Ryvers 1 mare of John Hare which languished. Endorsed – Billa vera. Po se non cull.

On 20 Dec., 28 Eliz., at Stanforde Ryvers bewitched Elizabeth Elles, who languished for 7 days.
Endorsed – Billa vera. Po se non cull.

NOTE:

'billa vera', or a true bill.