Francis Hutchinson

Francis Hutchinson was an English clergyman and historian in the 18th century, best known for his work on the history of witch trials and accusations. He believed that many accusations of witchcraft were rooted in social and political conflicts rather than actual magic, and he argued that most accused individuals were innocent victims. Hutchinson’s research helped challenge the superstitions and hysteria of his time, promoting a more rational understanding of witchcraft phenomena. His writings contributed to the early development of skeptical inquiry into witch hunts and emphasized the importance of evidence and reason in historical analysis.