Mary Lakeland facts for kids
Mary Lakeland was also known as Mother Lakeland and the “Ipswich Witch”. She was an English woman who lived a long time ago and died on September 9, 1645. She was involved in a famous witchcraft trial in the town of Ipswich. Mary Lakeland was one of the last people to face a witchcraft trial in Ipswich.
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Who Was Mary Lakeland?
Mary Lakeland was the wife of a barber named John Lakeland. After her husband passed away, she became a widow. During her trial, people claimed she had made a special agreement with a dark force. They also said she used magical helpers called familiars or imps. These familiars were believed to help her with her magic.
Accusations of Harm
Mary Lakeland was accused of using her familiars to cause trouble and harm to people. For example, it was claimed she sent a familiar to bother Mrs. Jenings because Mrs. Jenings didn't want to lend her a pin. Another accusation was that she sent a familiar, which looked like a dog, to bother Mr. Lawrence and his child.
People also accused Mary Lakeland of causing her husband's death using witchcraft. These were very serious accusations at the time.
The Trial and Punishment
In England during Mary Lakeland's time, people found guilty of witchcraft were usually punished by hanging. However, Mary Lakeland's case was different. She was accused not only of witchcraft but also of causing her husband's death.
Petty Treason
In those days, if a woman was accused of causing her husband's death, it was seen as a very serious crime called petty treason. The punishment for petty treason was to be burned. Because Mary Lakeland was accused of causing her husband's death through witchcraft, she received this specific punishment.
This method of punishment was not common for witchcraft cases. A few other women, like Margaret Read in 1590 and Mary Oliver in 1659, faced the same punishment for similar reasons.
A Historical Record
Mary Lakeland's case was so well-known that it was written about in a special booklet. This booklet was called The Laws Against Witches and Conjuration and was published in London in 1645. It helped people understand the laws and beliefs about witchcraft at that time.
