The History of Pendle Hill
The trials of the Pendle witches for their witchcraft in 1612 are among the most famous witch trials in English history and some of the best recorded of the 17th century. The twelve accused witches lived in the area around Pendle Hill in Lancashire. They were charged with the murders of ten people by the use of such witchcraft.
Together with the Samlesbury witches and others, all but two of the Pendle Hill witches were tried at Lancaster Assizes on 18-19 August 1612, in a series of trials that have become known as the Lancashire Witch Trials. One was tried at York Assizes on 27 July 1612, and another died in prison. Of the eleven individuals who went to trial (nine women and two men), ten were found guilty and executed by hanging with one being found not guilty.
The trials were unusual for England at that time in two respects:
Firstly, there was the official publication of the proceedings by the clerk to the court, Thomas Potts, in his 'The Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster'.
"The Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster"
Pendle Witch Trial Public Notice
Secondly, in the number of witches hanged together; ten at Lancaster and one at York. It has been estimated that all of the English witch trials between the early 15th and early 18th centuries resulted in fewer than 500 executions for witchcraft, so this series of trials during the summer of 1612 accounts for more than 2 per cent of that total.
Six of the Pendle witches came from one of two families, each headed by a female in her eighties at the time of the trials:
Elizabeth Southerns (aka Demdike), her daughter Elizabeth Device, and her grandchildren James and Alizon Device.
Anne Whittle (aka Chattox), and her daughter Anne Redferne.
The others accused were Jane Bulcock and her son John Bulcock, Alice Nutter, Katherine Hewitt, Alice Gray, and Jennet Preston. The outbreaks of witchcraft in and around Pendle may demonstrate the extent to which people could make a living by posing as witches. Many of the allegations resulted from accusations that members of the Demdike and Chattox families made against each other, perhaps because they were in competition, both families trying to make a living from healing, begging, and extortion and from their local reputation for witchcraft practices.
Investigating the Paranormal Aspects of Pendle Hill
Investigators: Jonathan, Stuart, Gayle, Katie and Deborah
O.R.B.S. UK - Pendle Hill Paranormal Investigation Team
Date: 30 May 2010, Time: Approx 23.00 - 01.00
Weather Conditions: Dry and Windy. Due to being outdoors, EMF baseline readings were not taken.
Group Members' Findings
Jon's Account:
I picked up the name Thomas. This may be linked to a Thomas Potts who was the clerk who recorded the trials of the pendle witches. There is also reference to Thomas Lister who was supposedley murdered by Jennet Preston to which she pleaded not guilty. I also picked up on a man wearing a black cape, white shirt with a tie and a black hat. I felt that he was a religious man but not a vicar. This desciption fits in with a man named George Fox (see below). I also felt the presence of a farmer with brown trouser rolled up, boots and shirt, carrying a fork and the name of Henery. This desciption may tie in with this account: "Alice Nutter was the widow of a tenant yeoman farmer. She made no statement either before or during her trial, except to enter her plea of not guilty to the charge of murdering Henry Mitton by witchcraft."
George Fox (July 1624 – 13th January 1691)
Yeoman of Pendle Hill
(Interest Notes: The etching above, top, is of George Fox - an English Dissenter and a founder of the Religious Society of Friends, commonly known as the Quakers or Friends. In June 1652, Fox felt that God led him to walk up Pendle Hill. There he had a vision of many souls coming to Christ.
The painting above, lower, is probably of a Yeoman Farmer of the area around the time in question.)
Had a great time well and worth the visit. We will be certainly going back to do other investigations in the future.
Deborah's Account:
Debora picked up on a child and this also may have some reference to a child murdered by Jennet Preston who was found not guilty on this charge.
Stuart's Account:
It was a very interesting evening. Would loved to have spent longer. I spent the afternoon researching the area on the internet. I planned out a route for us to take. First stop was at Ashlar House in Fence and is situated on the A6068. This is where the witches where interrogated in 1612. They where then sent for trail at Lancaster Castle.
Ashlar House Photograph
Scene of the interrogation of the Pendle witches in 1612.
Ashlar House, Fence, Lancashire
We then went onto Newchurch. Here at St Mary's Church is the supposed grave of Alice Nutter, marked with a skull and cross bones. The grave is situated to the right of the entrance of the church. It is also reported that witches used to collect skulls and teeth from the grave.
Detail on the grave of the witch, Alice Nutter - The skull and crossbones marking Alice Nutter's grave.
The supposed grave of Pendle witch, Alice Nutter
Photographs of St. Mary's Church.
St. Mary's Church, Newchurch, Lancashire
After visiting St Mary's Church, we drove to the village of Barley. We drove through the village to the foot of Pendle Hill and began our climb. I thought that I saw a person through the night vision camera, next to a post, where Jon had also picked up a presence.
Katie's Account:
Last night was a very interesting night, my favourite part of the night was walking up Pendle Hill when it was dark. My role was to take as many pictures as I could. I thought that I had captured some really good orbs or dust. I was exhausted but had a really good night.
Photograph of orb - captured at Pendle Hill
Photograph of a close, bright orb - captured at Pendle Hill
Gayle's Account:
I found it a very interesting night. I felt as if we where being followed both going up and coming down the hill. What was really interesting was seeing a large stone at the exact same time as Jon. Can't wait to go again.
