Mary Kirk

Mary Kirk (died Huntingdon, 28 July 1716), was an English woman accused of witchcraft in Huntingdon, England. She was condemned to death by Huntingdon assizes on 28 July 1716 along with her nine-year-old daughter, Elizabeth Hicks,[1][2] and is thought to be the last person executed in England for witchcraft.

Mary Kirk
Cause of deathHanging
Known forAccused of witchcraft
Spouse(s)Edward Hicks
ChildrenElizabeth Hicks (b. 1705)

Biography

Mary Kirk lived in Huntingdon with her husband, Edward. Her daughter Elizabeth was born in 1705.[2]

Their story is recorded in an eight-page pamphlet entitled, The whole trial and examination of Mrs. Mary Hicks and her daughter Elizabeth,[3] printed by W. Matthews (London) in 1716. The trial accused Hicks and her daughter of taking off their stockings “in order to raise a rainstorm”.[4]

Her investigation and execution is unusual because by the early eighteenth century many people questioned the reality of witchcraft.[1][3]

References
    1. "Mary Hicks Witch of Huntingdon". Early Modern Medicine. 2018-04-11. Retrieved 2020-10-30.
    2. "Hicks, Elizabeth (1705–1716) | Encyclopedia.com". www.encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2020-10-30.
    3. The whole trial and examination of Mrs. Mary Hicks and her daughter Elizabeth, but of nine years of age, who were condemo'd [sic] the last assizes held at Huntington for witchcraft; and there executed on Saturday the 28th of July, 1716. With an account of the most surprizing pieces of witchcraft they play'd. London: Printed by W. Matthews. 1716. pp. 1–8.
    4. "Why are we still fascinated by the witch-finders of the 17th Century?". The Earl of Manchester's Regiment of Foote. Retrieved 2020-10-30.


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