The trial of the Samlesbury witches is perhaps one clear example of that trend ; it has been described as `` largely a piece of anti-Catholic propaganda '' , . A trial would show that Lancashire , a wild and lawless area , was being cleared not only of witches but also of `` popish plotters '' , that is , Catholics . The trial of the Samlesbury witches is perhaps one clear example of that trend ; it has been described as `` largely a piece of anti-Catholic propaganda '' , and even as a show-trial , to demonstrate that Lancashire , considered at that time to be a wild and lawless region , was being purged not only of witches but also of `` popish plotters '' ( i.e. , Catholics ) .