In medieval Netherlands, weigh houses were a common feature in many markets up and down the country.
The authorities would then levy a tax on the goods transported through or sold within the city.
Many a times, people accused of witchcraft would be dragged to a weigh house to be weighed.
It was believed that a witch weighed next to nothing.
After all, how could they fly on a broomstick?
The Heksenwaag (Witches' scale) in the town of Oudewater became famous for such witch trails.
A witch trial at the Heksenwaag, in Oudewater.
The Heksenwaag provided a fair weighing process to the accused.
As a sign of gratitude for the correctness of the staff at the weigh-house he granted them the privilege.
Nobody here was ever convicted of being a witch.
A single rumor or an unsubstantiated witness was enough to convict innocent people of sorcery.
Historical records account for only 13 such trials at the Heksenwaag between the period 1674 and 1743.
Today, Heksenwaag is a museum and a tourist attraction.
Photo credit: Louise15101970/Tripadvisor.com
Sources:Holland.com/Wikipedia/www.heksenwaag.nl/Rechtsgeschiedenis Blog
