In 1664 Wincanton had its very own witch trials. The combination of a witch finder and a small coven of women who could be accused came together. The Pendle Witch trials, in Lancashire, were held in 1612 and would have been in the memory of many of those involved in Wincanton.  The man who was the local judge was intent on finding demonic intent. This was someone who was looking for contact with the devil. The words recorded for the women convicted seem to reflect his ideas. These were local women who were not highly educated in the law and could probably not read and write. Anyone who would just take six pence to follow the devil did not sell their soul for a high price. So were they witches, perhaps, but what that meant was probably not what the judge was suggesting. Were they truly evil, that is for you to decide.