Corsned

By Crusader1307

A Method for extracting if one was a Witch, Warlock or possibly possessed of a Demon – The Anglo-Saxon practice of “Corsned” dates to the 9th Century. In practice, The Accused was forced to eat a piece of Barley Bread and Cheese (roughly 1 once in weight). The Person had to swallow the pieces. If they choked or convulsed (often turning a pale white), this was seen as a direct sign of Evil or Possession. From this all manner of Torture/Execution was visited upon The Accused. However, if The Victim swallowed The Barley and Cheese freely and with ease, they were released. The practice was a favorite of Canute The Great in early Medieval England.