Hannah Cockleford

Hannah Cockleford was a witch who lived in or around the village of Poppleton, England in the late 14th century.

Biography
In 1484, the Earl of Paunchley, the tyrannical noble who lorded over the village of Poppleton, England, decided to hold a Jousting Tournament on the grounds of his castle. Shortly before the match was set to begin, he ordered Edmund Gaddlegate, a young boy, to put up pennants and banners. In the process, Edmund accidentally fell out of a tree, breaking his leg. His mother sent word to the Earl that her son would be able to attend the match, which he had mandated all residents of Poppleton attend, whether they liked it or not.

In punishment, the Earl decided that Edmund would be tied to a horse and forced to joust against him in the Jousting Tournament, as well as against all the knights who had come to take part in the competition. When the knights learned that the Earl expected them to joust against an injured boy, however, they left in disgust, and thus the Earl announced that he alone would challenge Edmund.

As the Earl charged toward Edmund, Hannah, who was among the crowd of spectators watching the match, cast the strongest Shield Charm of her life between them. Hitting the spell, the Earl was knocked back, his horse toppling over onto him. Though he survived, for the rest of his life, he believed he was a donkey named Hairy Cyril.

Appearances

 * Wonderbook: Book of Spells