Investigation of Mary Trembles and Susanna Edwards
Mary Trembles and Susanna Edwards were investigated after a local woman, Grace Barnes, blamed Trembles for her illness. On 18 July 1682, Mary Trembles was denounced to the authorities and consequently arrested, along with Susanna Edwards, who had accompanied Trembles while they were begging for food (there was a food shortage in the country at the time).
It is possible that, after Barnes was taken ill that night, she felt guilty about denying the women food, and so she transferred her guilt by accusing the two women of witchcraft.
At the inquiry, Grace Barnes’s husband John spoke first, accusing Trembles of hurting his wife by witchcraft. William Edwards also spoke, claiming to have overheard a confession by Susanna. People came to see the two women while they were in the town lock-up.
Read more about this topic: Bideford Witch Trial
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