I was born beneath the shadow of Pendle Hill, a place steeped in mystery and legend. My grandmother, who hailed from nearby Nelson, would often regale me with tales of the infamous Pendle Witches. With pride, she revealed her maiden name was Nutter, claiming a direct lineage to Alice Nutter, one of the condemned witches. For years, I held this as a unique connection—until I moved to Clitheroe and discovered that half the town seemed to share this claim!
Today, I run guided tours of the Pendle Witch story by coach and minibus, exploring the historic villages of Roughlee, Barley, Newchurch, Blacko, Downham, and Colne's Market Cross. Over the years, I’ve welcomed guests from across the UK and North America, all captivated by the trials of 1612—a story that continues to fascinate.
Pendle's Enduring Legacy
The Pendle Witch Trials have become a cornerstone of British history, turning this tragic chapter into a vibrant tourist attraction. The Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford plays a pivotal role in preserving this history, serving as a meeting point for tours with its museum, bookshop, and cafe. Another highlight is the Witches Galore shop in Newchurch, lovingly run by Maureen Stopforth, whose dedication keeps the memory of the condemned alive.
But to truly understand the Pendle Witches, we must journey back to 1603, a time of deep superstition and fear.
The Rise of Witchcraft Paranoia
When Queen Elizabeth I passed away, she named James VI of Scotland as her successor—King James I of England. King James was fanatically obsessed with witches, believing they were actively plotting against him. His paranoia fuelled suspicion across the country, particularly in Catholic-dominated regions like East Lancashire.
It was in this climate of fear and religious tension that the story of the Pendle Witches unfolded. The main characters in this tale were two elderly women: Elizabeth Southerns, nicknamed "Demdike," and Anne Whittle, known as "Chattox." Both lived deep in the Pendle Forest, in isolated hamlets where life was harsh, with an average life expectancy of just 35 years. Yet these two women had defied the odds, living well into their 80s—perhaps aided by their knowledge of herbal remedies.
The Spark That Ignited the Trials
The events began on March 18, 1612, when Demdike's granddaughter, Alizon Device, encountered a peddler named John Law on the road to Colne. Alizon begged for pins, but when Law refused, she allegedly cursed him. Moments later, Law suffered a stroke, and the blame fell on Alizon.
Law’s son, Abraham, insisted on confronting Alizon and dragged her to the local magistrate, Roger Nowell. Under interrogation, Alizon confessed—not only to cursing Law but also implicated her grandmother, Chattox, and others in witchcraft. This set off a chain of arrests, culminating in the infamous Good Friday meeting at Malkin Tower, where the accused allegedly plotted to free their imprisoned relatives.
The Trials at Lancaster Castle
In August 1612, the accused were brought to trial at Lancaster Castle. The star witness was Jennet Device, Alizon’s nine-year-old sister, who provided damning testimony against her own family. The trials were based largely on Jennet’s account, as detailed in The Wonderful Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster by court clerk Thomas Potts.
The trial's verdicts were devastating:
Demdike: Died in custody before the trial.
Chattox: Found guilty and hanged for witchcraft.
Alizon Device: Confessed and was executed.
Alice Nutter: A landowner, accused based on circumstantial evidence, was also hanged.
In total, 10 individuals were executed on August 20, 1612, in what remains one of the most notorious witch trials in history.
The Legacy of the Pendle Witches
The Pendle Witches story is a haunting reminder of the dangers of superstition and fear. It destroyed families and lives, including Jennet Device, whose testimony led to her family’s downfall. Years later, Jennet herself was accused of witchcraft and imprisoned, though she was eventually released after the accuser admitted to lying.
Today, the Pendle Witches are commemorated in various ways—from Burnley’s Witch Way buses to Moorhouse’s Brewery ales like Blond Witch. Their story continues to inspire curiosity and reflection, reminding us of a time when fear and prejudice overshadowed reason and justice.
Pendle Hill stands as a silent witness to this dark chapter, its shadow casting not just a physical, but a historical and emotional mark on the landscape.
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