The Witch Trials in Salem
being executed. There were also increasing doubts about the value of `spectral' evidence. Finally on 8
October 1692 Sir William Phips eventually forbade the court to allow `spectral' evidence. Also on 29
October he dissolved the special court he had set up to try `witches'.
However the trials continued in an 'ordinary' court, which formed in November 1692. The last
trials for witchcraft were held in January 1693. Three more people were convicted but were reprieved
by the governor. Unfortunately judge William Stoughton at first, presided over the court. He was a
zealous believer in witchcraft was determined to root out any remaining 'witches'. Thankfully he left in
early January 1693. Finally in May 1693 Governor Phips pardoned all those in prison (either convicted
or awaiting trial).
In 1696 some jurors admitted they had made a terrible mistake.
In 1697 a day of fasting and praying for forgiveness was held
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