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Oct 31, 2018 9 tweets 5 min read Read on X
We're getting in to the spirit of all things spooky for #Halloween.

Which monarch released a book on the discussion of witchcraft, necromancy, possession, demons, werewolves, fairies and ghosts?

#HappyHalloween
Answer: it was King James I who took a keen interest in demonology. He published a compendium on witchcraft lore called 'Daemonologie' in 1597.

The @britishlibrary hold a copy in their collection which you can read about here: bl.uk/collection-ite…
#Halloween
During the 16th century, many people believed that witchcraft offered a more convincing explanation of sudden and unexpected ill-fortune. In 1542, Parliament passed the Witchcraft Act which defined witchcraft as a crime punishable by death.

#Halloween Image
A further law banning witchcraft was passed in 1604. The 1562 and 1604 Acts transferred the trial of witches from the Church to the ordinary courts.

Overall, some 500 people in England are believed to have been executed for witchcraft.

#Halloween Image
The last witchcraft trials were held in Leicester in 1717, but in 1736 the Witchcraft Act was replaced with fines or imprisonment for people with magical powers, much to the amusement of MPs. Its promoter was John Conduit, whose wife was the niece of Sir Isaac Newton.
Got your #Halloween costume ready? Take inspiration from these ghoulish pieces from the Parliamentary Art Collection. ⬇️
Edward Hedge's etching shows a witch seated beside a cauldron decorated with a grotesque skull, evoking the ghostly figure of Oliver Cromwell, appearing from a cloud of smoke. It was originally published in February 1784 shortly before George III dissolved Parliament. #Halloween Image
John Doyle's lithograph from 1829 shows a group of Conservative ministers including the Duke of Wellington being confronted by the ghost of Prime Minister George Canning. In the scene the ghost addresses the group, “Now I am avenged”. #Halloween Image
Tom Merry's 1887 scene shows the moment in Faust when Mephistopheles and his minions attempt to drag Doctor Faustus down into Hell. In this satire, William Ewart Gladstone appears in the character of Mephistopheles. #Halloween Image

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More from @UKParliament

Nov 14, 2023
Can you guess what this Parliamentary object is 🔎? #UpClose

Submit your guess ⬇️ A close up photo of round wooden objects with numbers engraved on them.
🤔
...let's have a look #UpClose at the ballot which is drawn at the start of every session in Parliament for Private Members' Bills.

This is a proposed change in the law that is suggested by an MP who isn't a government minister. The balls for the Private Members' Bill ballot are drawn from a glass bowl by the clerk. One ball is being handed to the Deputy Speaker.
Read 5 tweets
Oct 2, 2020
Are you a university student or graduate planning your first career steps? 👩🏽‍🎓👨🏿‍🎓

The UK Parliament Fast Stream programme for 2021 is now open.

Apply now, and in a year you could start your placement in the @HouseofCommons or @UKHouseofLords.
Looking for a different role at @UKParliament?

We're #hiring a Head of #Conservation #Architecture who can
📐 oversee the strategy for building conservation
🏗️ keep the programme of conservation works up to date
😃 be a great team leader

Apply now 👉🏽 housesofparliament.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/… Head of Conservation Architecture.   £63,716+, 30 days' ann
We're also #hiring a Principal Doorkeeper who can:

🚪 lead a busy team of 22 Doorkeepers
👑 ensure the smooth running of ceremonial events
🔑 remain calm and prioritise in a fast-paced environment

Apply now 👉🏿 housesofparliament.tal.net/vx/lang-en-GB/… Principal Doorkeeper.   £38,625+, 30 days' annual leave, Ci
Read 4 tweets
Sep 24, 2020
📢 Calling all university students and graduates!

Today we're opening the UK Parliament Fast Stream programme for 2021.

Apply now, and in a year you could start your placement in the @HouseofCommons or @UKHouseofLords. The Parliament Fast Stream ...
As a Fast Streamer here, you’ll work with politicians from all parties to scrutinise Government policy and support the UK’s democratic process.

You might manage evidence sessions for a select committee inquiry, or work in the Chambers assisting in the passage of legislation.
It's a challenging role, but you'll be supported every step of the way. And you'll earn £27-30k while you're on the programme.

The Fast Stream is open for applications now. Find out more ⬇️

faststream.gov.uk/houses-of-parl…
Read 5 tweets
Sep 18, 2020
Recently we've shared the people, stories, and secret histories behind 150 years of the Palace of Westminster. See what you've learned in our quiz! ⬇️

(🤫 Psst: No one sees your choices, so don't worry about getting it wrong! We'll be back with answers later.)

#Westminster150
1. Which duo built the Palace of Westminster 150 years ago?
2. How was the Great Fire of 1834 started?
Read 13 tweets
Sep 16, 2020
Today is #AskACurator Day, and we have 3 specialist curators answering your questions on our Parliamentary Art, Historic Furniture and Architectural Fabric Collections! 🖼️🚪🪑

Let's hear your questions and their answers ⏬
First over to our Parliamentary Art expert Melanie 🎨🖼️✏️

💬 "How many works are hidden away in storage? Do they get put on display in rotation?" ❓

80% of our 9,000 artworks are on display - a high percentage compared to many museums. We do rotate the works on display - some are fragile and can only be displayed for short periods. A range of artworks on disp...
Read 19 tweets
Sep 15, 2020
Today is International Day of Democracy 2020 🎉🗳️🗣️ #DemocracyDay2020 #DemocracyDay

Here are five ways you can get your voice heard with UK Parliament ⬇️
1. You can create an e-petition or sign an existing one 📝

Petitions with 10k signatures receive a formal reply from the Government. Those with over 100k signatures are considered for a debate in Parliament.

Search for the issues that matter to you:
petition.parliament.uk
2. You can contact your MP about a cause you feel strongly about 📨

Your MP represents you in the @HouseofCommons whether or not you voted for them. They can ask questions or discuss issues in a debate.

Find your MP by entering your postcode
members.parliament.uk/findyourmp
Read 7 tweets

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