The date is March 1584. Queen Elizabeth I is on the throne.

Reginald Scot’s new book, ‘The Discovery of Witchcraft’ has just been published. He’s at the launch party when he bumps into a new face.

It's true that the actual title of the book is ridiculously long (image 2) and was over 16 books. The story about penis stealing is true. As is the one about the Bishop disguising himself as the Devil under a woman's bed. The story about the man who stabbed himself in Cheapside is true.

Brandon's pigeon is a real trick. Scot really did believe that those that were accused of witchcraft were uneducated, poor, old and easy to accuse as they couldn't stand up for themselves. He did indeed investigate witchcraft trials in Kent and the Margaret Simons story is real.

The penalty for witchcraft and heresy was as stated. His big issue was that witchcraft competed with the church and he did believe that demonologists were only too eager to cry witch as that is what they were paid for! Love cups were said to contain the ingredients that are mentioned. It's also true that effectively Scot had created a manual through which people could practice the dark arts. Oops!

If you want to find out more about Reginald, check out the sources and places below:

England's First Demonologist: Reginald Scot and the Discovery of Witchcraft - Philip C. Almond

Brabourne Church (image 4)