e/John Stearne (witch-hunter)

Information
has gloss	eng: John Stearne was an associate of Matthew Hopkins the Witchfinder General. He was known at various times as the witch–hunter, and "witch pricker", John Stearne, a family man and land owner from Lawshall near Bury St Edmunds, was 10 years older than Hopkins. He maintained a house in Manningtree which is where he met Hopkins following Stearne's accusations against witches. In fact the first accusations were made by John Stearne and Hopkins was appointed as his assistant. As a result of the accusations, a trial was held in Chelmsford in July 1645 with 29 names accused of witchcraft and sorcery. Of these 4 had died in prison prior to the trial, hanged the following day, Friday 18th July 1645. 9 who had been convicted of conjouring spirits were reprieved.
lexicalization	eng: John Stearne
instance of	c/Witch trials