William Weston (Jesuit)

The first to object to these witchcraft proceedings were the older priests, but eventually the matter caught the attention of the Anglican authorities, and the exorcists, almost to a man, were arrested and imprisoned, Weston amongst them (August, 1586).

The majority with Weston (20 out of 33) desired regular routine with a recognized authority to judge delinquencies, e.g. quarrels and possible scandals.

The minority dissented, and when the majority persisted, and even dined apart (February, 1595), a cry of schism was raised, and Weston was denounced as its originator, the pugnacious Christopher Bagshaw taking the lead against him.

In response, Weston decided to keep to his room and cease taking meals with the rest of the prisoners stating that he was unwilling to participate in any common life unless rules were drawn up to regulate it.

In the spring of 1597, the troubles of the English College, Rome, spread to England, and led to a renewal of the "Wisbech stirs", which were soon overshadowed by the Appellant controversy.