British Executions

Joan Norfolk

Age: unknown

Sex: female

Crime: murder

Date Of Execution: 2 Apr 1579

Crime Location: unknown

Execution Place: unknown

Method: hanging

Executioner: unknown

Source: http://www.witchtrials.co.uk/1578JN.html

Margaret Ganne and Joan Norfolk were on trial for the murder of John Furmyn. Trial result or execution not confirmed.

The court heard that on 1 March 1578 they bewitched John Furmyn at Borley aforesaid on the above date, so that he languished vehemently until 1 May then next following when he died; and so the jurors say that the said Margaret and Joan killed and murdered the said John by witcheraft, contrary to the peace, etc.

A later inquisition taken at Braintree on 2 April 1578, where the jurors said that Margaret Gannd alias Welles and Joan Norfolk both of Borley spinsters, 1 March 1578  bewitched John Furmyn where of he died 1 May following. Both plead not guilty.

see T/A 418/31/51 [ASS 35/21/4/51]