History KT5 - Salem

1630

First settlers arrive in Salem

1630s

Difficult time for Puritans - as Charles I and Arch. Canterbury pursue Catholic policies

1630-1642

10,000 Puritans migrated to Massachusetts

1640s / 1650s

Colony's economy strengthened

1651

First Navigation Act passed

1660, 1662, and 1673

Further Navigation Acts passed

1675 - 1678

First Indian War - King Phillip's War

1678 and 1681

Puritan authorities resist attempts to revoke their royal charter

1680s

Colonists seek military assistance from England, causing tax increases under Andros

1685

Charles II dies, succeeded by Catholic brother James II

From 1686

James administers all New England Colonies (Dominion of New England)

1687

James issues Declaration of Indulgence in England

1688 (1)

Seven bishops arrested for refusing to read another Dec. of Indulgence

December 1688

James flees country

1688 (2)

Goodwin Possessions

January 1689

Convention Parliament established

April 1689

News of Glorious Revolution reaches Massachusetts

1689

Cotton Mather published 'Memorable Providences Relating to Witchcrafts and Possessions'

1690

William of Oranges' victory against James at the Battle of Boyne

1691 (1)

Massachusetts given a new charter

1691 (2)

Hunt begins in Samuel Parris' home

March 1692

Ann Putnam claims she is possessed

19th July 1692

Rebecca Nurse executed, along with Sarah Good

10th June 1692

Bishop first to be hanged

16th September 1692

Giles Corey tortured by pressing until death

22nd September 1692 (1)

Corey's wife and daughter then hanged

19th August 1692

Burroughs recites Lord's Prayer at the gallows and was hanged regardless

22nd September 1692 (2)

19 executed by this date

September 1692 (1)

Accused list growing, despite executions

September 1692 (2)

Increase Mather publishes sceptical work: 'Cases of Conscience Concerning Evil Spirits Persecuting Men'

26th October 1692

Phips closes down Court of Oyer and Terminer

1692

Phips encourages Cotton Mather to write 'Wonders of the Invisible World' - an account of the trials

1693

Phips issues a general pardon

January 1693

New Superior Court of Judicature established, led by Stoughton

May 1693

Court met for final time

February 1693

Phips critical of Stoughton in a letter to King William

1695

Government in London repeals Massachusetts Legislature from 1692 which had enabled swift prosecutions

January 1697

Samuel Sewall, a judge involved, apologised and asked for forgiveness

1706

Ann Putnam would apologise

1711

Compensation paid to families of victims