New historical research reveals a contrast between Exeter and much of England in their treatment of witchcraft. As attitudes softened across most of the country, the city continued its pursuit of accused witches.
Exeter's prosecutions extended to so-called service magicians, local practitioners who used magic to investigate petty crimes. Their activities were benign rather than intended to cause harm.
Nevertheless, these practitioners became targets of the authorities. Their prosecution illustrates the reach of Exeter's hard-line approach, which encompassed even those whose magical services were directed toward solving minor crimes.
