Elizabeth Clarke

Elizabeth Clarke (c. 1565–1645), alias Bedinfield, was the first woman persecuted by the Witchfinder General, Matthew Hopkins in 1645 in Essex, England.

Elizabeth Clarke, also known as Bedinfield,[2] was accused of cursing the wife of Manningtree tailor, John Rivet during the winter of 1643.

[4] Matthew Hopkins, assisted by John Stearne and Mary Phillipps, took up the role of investigator and prosecutor, known as "Watcher".

In Clarke's case, Hopkins and colleagues including John Stearne watched her for several days and nights without allowing her to sleep.

[1] Elizabeth then confessed due to the persuading, forcing and imprisonment, this led to 35 women who were accused and put to prison.