Agnes Waterhouse: The First Woman Executed for Witchcraft in England

History remembers Agnes Waterhouse as one of the most influential witches of the Tudor period. Although the Inquisition in Europe started their trails and executions much earlier, Agnes was the first woman to be put to death for witchcraft in England – in 1566.

In 1542, Henry VIII passed an act against witchcraft. It was already considered a problem in the 15th century, but King Henry opened the doors for trials on a larger scale. Some believed that he did it due to his belief that Anne Boleyn (beheaded in 1536) was a witch who manipulated him by her spells.

Beware the Witch!

When the law condemning witchcraft came into effect, Agnes was in her 40s. She may have been born in 1503, although her early life wasn't well documented. She lived in Hatfield Peverel, Essex, England. To local people she was known as Mother Waterhouse. This nickname suggests her position in society – perhaps as a single woman, who was generally seen as compassionate and helpful. She may have been a healer and wise woman. Her life was calm and normal until 1566, when she was accused of witchcraft along with two other women – Elizabeth Francis and Joan Waterhouse (Agnes’ daughter.)

The trial against Agnes took place in Chelmsford, Essex. She was accused of using witchcraft to cause disease and the death of William Fynne, a neighbor. During the 16th century in England people were both fascinated and terrified with witchcraft. On the one hand, since Henry VIII became the head of the Anglican Church, the Catholic inquisition had no power in England. However, witchcraft was still disallowed and sternly punished.