Pendle Witches Tour – Samlesbury Hall Samlesbury Hall has a significant connection to the Lancashire Witch Trials of 1612, which also involved the more famous Pendle Witches. While not directly part of the "Pendle Witches" group, three women from Samlesbury – Jane Southworth, Jennet Bierley, and Ellen Bierley – were accused of witchcraft and tried at the same assizes in Lancaster. Here's the key connection: The Samlesbury Witches Trial Jane Southworth, Jennet Bierley, and Ellen Bierley, known as the "Samlesbury Witches," were tried alongside the Pendle Witches. Samlesbury Hall and the Southworth Family Jane Southworth, one of the accused, lived in Samlesbury Lower Hall. More significantly, it was revealed during the trial that Grace Sowerbutts had been coached in her testimony by Christopher Southworth (also known as Thompson), a Jesuit priest who was in hiding in the Samlesbury area and was the chaplain at Samlesbury Hall. He was also Jane Southworth's uncle by marriage. Political Motivation The Samlesbury Witch trial is often seen as distinct from the Pendle Witch trials in its underlying motivation. The chief witness against them was a 14 year old girl named Grace Sowerbutts, who accused them of horrific acts, including child murder and cannibalism.
Pendle Witches Tour – Stop 1: Read The village of Read in Lancashire played a significant role in the infamous Pendle Witch Trials of 1612, primarily through the actions of Roger Nowell, the local Justice of the Peace. Read Hall Roger Nowell resided at Read Hall, which served as his seat of power. It was here that many of the initial investigations and examinations of the accused “witches” took place. The Catalyst The events leading to the trials began in March 1612, when Alizon Device, a young woman from the Pendle area, had an encounter with a pedlar named John Law. After an argument, Law suffered what was likely a stroke, but he and his son, Abraham Law, attributed his illness to witchcraft by Alizon. Nowell’s Involvement Abraham Law brought Alizon, along with her mother Elizabeth and brother James, to Read Hall for questioning by Roger Nowell. As magistrate, Nowell had the authority to conduct examinations himself and gather evidence. Chain of Accusations It was during these interrogations at Read Hall that the accusations began to spiral: • Alizon confessed to “ill-wishing” John Law. • Further questioning led her to implicate other members of her family, including her grandmother Elizabeth Southerns (Old Demdike). • She also accused her family’s rival matriarch, Anne Whittle (Old Chattox). These confessions — often coerced — laid the foundation for the subsequent arrests and trials. Committal to Lancaster Following the Read Hall investigations, Nowell committed Alizon, Demdike, Chattox, and others to Lancaster Castle prison for trial.
Pendle Witches Tour – Stop 1: Read Summary: Read, through the residence and authority of Roger Nowell at Read Hall, became the starting point of the Pendle Witch Trials, setting in motion the chain of events that would lead to one of the most infamous witch trials in English history.
Pendle Witches Tour – Sabden Sabden village has a direct connection to the Pendle Witches. It's located at the base of Pendle Hill in Lancashire, the area where the accused witches lived in the early 17th century. While the trials themselves took place at Lancaster Castle, the events leading up to them, and the lives of those accused, were deeply rooted in the villages surrounding Pendle Hill. Sabden is one of these villages that were part of the landscape where the "witchcraft" outbreaks occurred. The history of the Pendle Witches highlights the poverty and superstition prevalent in the area at the time. Many of the accused, including some who might have been traditional healers, were from these local communities, and the fear and accusations spread through the villages at the foot of Pendle Hill. The area around Pendle Hill was considered lawless in the early 17th century. Many accused individuals were perceived as "village healers" or "cunning folk" who practiced a form of folk magic, often for payment, which could leave them open to charges of sorcery. King James I's book, Daemonologie, influenced the belief that "Children, women and liars can be witnesses over high treason against God," which was crucial in the Pendle trials, particularly regarding Jennet Device's testimony. The Act of 1604 made practicing witchcraft a felony punishable by death. The Incident The investigations began in March 1612 when Roger Nowell, the JP for Pendle, looked into a complaint from the family of John Law, a pedlar, who claimed Alizon Device had injured him by witchcraft. Alizon had allegedly cursed him after he refused to sell her pins.
Pendle Witches Tour – Sabden Legacy newcomers or children. However, Sabden has a particularly strong connection to this myth for a few key reasons. In the 1980s, a local resident named Bill Dewhurst created a tourist attraction and business based on the folklore, called Sabden Treacle Mines Ltd. He created and sold "treacle miner" dolls, attracting visitors from the UK and beyond. This venture further cemented the village's reputation. The association of Sabden with treacle mines is a well known piece of local folklore, but it's not based on any actual mining activity. The idea of treacle mining is a long standing British joke, often used to fool In the mid 1990s, the village became famous through a children's TV show called The Treacle People, which was set in the "treacle mines" of Sabden. The show helped popularize the legend and made Sabden a focal point for the fictional mines.
Pendle Witches Tour – Pendle Hill The name "Pendle" is a tautological combination of different words for "hill" from various languages: Pen (Celtic), dun (Saxon), and hill (English), so its name literally means "hill hill hill." The hill is a site of significant geological interest, giving its name to a specific time interval in the Carboniferous period known as the "Pendleian." The hill's geology is characterized by a series of uplifted layers of rock, including sandstones, mudstones, and limestones. These rock formations provide evidence of a changing environment over millions of years, from a shallow sea to deep-water seabeds formed by powerful underwater avalanches of sediment known as turbidity currents. Geological Origin The plateau of Pendle Hill is made of Pendle Grit, a coarse Carboniferous sandstone, dating back around 300 million years. During the last Ice Age, much of the lower slopes were covered in glacial till and boulder clay—the boulder likely being part of this glacial debris. Bronze Age Footprint Around the summit, Bronze Age burial cairns also suggest early human use of the site.
Pendle Witches Tour – Pendle Hill Folklore & Legends The Devil’s Boulder Local legend describes the Devil leaping from nearby Hameldon Hill, gathering rocks in his apron as he fell, and hurling them toward Clitheroe Castle. One of these rocks allegedly landed and remains there to this day—a tangible remnant of that mythical throw. Visiting the Boulder While the exact rock formed by glacial deposition may not be individually named like the Hitching Stone near Keighley, the Devil’s Boulder on Pendle is a local landmark celebrated more for its myth than its geological uniqueness. The best approach to see it is via the popular Barley route, ascending amid iconic gritstone terrain, peat, and small cairns. Look out for outcrops of gritstone near the summit—the presence of large erratic boulders, peat bogs, and natural clefts is common. Pendle Hill’s giant boulder stands at the intersection of natural history and folklore—a true emblem of England’s upland legends. If you hike to the summit, you’ll be walking among layers of geology, myth, and centuries of human stories.
Pendle Witches Tour – Pendle Hill Modern Folklore – The Pendle Snow Witch There’s a bit of Lancashire folklore around Pendle Hill. After heavy snowfalls on Pendle Hill, when the snow begins to melt unevenly, the remaining patches can leave behind strange shapes or silhouettes on the hillside. People say that sometimes these resemble a witch’s face or figure, and locals have called one of these shapes “The Pendle Snow Witch.” It ties into the long tradition of the Pendle Witches (1612) — the idea being that even the landscape itself seems to echo their memory. Photographs circulate now and then after snowfalls where people spot “the witch’s profile” or “a ghostly figure” outlined in the thawing snow. So, it’s not an official historical legend, but more of a modern piece of folklore and imagery, keeping the Pendle witches alive in local imagination.
Pendle Witches Tour – Barley Village Barley Village is intrinsically linked to the history of the Pendle Witches, serving as a key starting point and a central hub for exploring the areas associated with the infamous 1612 witch trials. Barley sits at the base of Pendle Hill, the prominent landmark that gives its name to the witch trials. While the hill itself wasn't directly where the accused lived or practiced, it's the iconic backdrop to the story, and Barley is a popular starting point for walks up the hill and around the area. Several popular walking routes, including the "Pendle Witches Walk," originate from Barley. These walks take visitors through the landscape where the accused lived and where many of the events leading up to the trials unfolded. You'll find signposts and information relating to the witches throughout the village and on these trails. Proximity to Key Locations: While Malkin Tower (the home of the Device family, one of the main families accused) is no longer standing, its approximate location is near Barley. The village also provides access to other areas relevant to the trials, such as Newchurch in Pendle, where some of the accused lived. Barley has embraced its connection to the Pendle Witches, with local businesses and information points catering to visitors interested in the history. You might find witch-themed merchandise, cafes, and pubs, making it a natural base for those exploring the Pendle Witch story. The Pendle Sculpture Trail, which features sculptures related to the Pendle Witches (including "Witches in Chains"), is located in Aitken Wood near Barley, further cementing the village's association with the narrative. In essence, Barley serves as a tangible starting point for those wishing to immerse themselves in the historical landscape of the Pendle Witches, allowing visitors to walk in the footsteps of the accused and learn about the events that led to one of England's most famous witch trials.
Pendle Witches Tour – Barley Village Pendle Sculpture Trail If you go down to the woods today... you’re sure to be in for a big surprise! The wood in question is Aitken Wood. Walk up from the lovely village of Barley to the wood and you’ll find bats, stone witches, mythical creatures, and a host of marvellous sculptures on the Pendle Sculpture Trail. Dare you find our witches on our fiendish trail? The famous Pendle Witches that were hanged over 400 years ago each have individually styled tree plaques designed after them. Match them to each witch’s own personal story and you’ll be well on your way to finding out more about them. Or why not work out the riddles that our mythical creatures have set you, which will help you find our final mystery creature… but be careful where you tread, as some of the trees themselves seem to have a life of their own! And who knows what else you might find amongst this amazing woodland setting. Are those ghostly men I see, or holly bushes? Is the boggart trying to steal mushrooms and run away? Or do I see a face peering at me through the trees? Lead Artist, Philippe Handford, said: “It’s a very exciting year for us, as this year sees the further development of the trail that we started back in 2012, with 16 new sculptures being added by 15 different artists. So there’s a fantastic variety of work on display."
Pendle Witches Tour – Newchurch in Pendle Newchurch in Pendle is a village in Lancashire, England, famous for its deep-rooted connection to the Pendle witch trials of 1612. The village's history is closely intertwined with the events that led to one of the most well-documented witch hunts in English legal history. Early History: The village, which sits on the southern slopes of Pendle Hill, was once known as 'Goldshaw Booth,' with "booth" believed to derive from a Norse word for a dwelling place. It was later called 'Newchurch in Pendle Forest' before being shortened to its current name. Present-Day: Newchurch has a tranquil, rural character and has changed little over the centuries. It is home to a primary school, a pub, and a popular tourist shop called "Witches Galore," which sells witch-themed merchandise. The village holds an annual Rushbearing Festival, a procession and thanksgiving service that has been a tradition since at least.
Pendle Witches Tour – Newchurch in Pendle The Church: All Saints' Church, Newchurch in Pendle The village's name, "Newchurch," comes from the church, which was a new chapel of ease to the parish of Whalley. The church is a central part of the village and its history. Construction and Features: A chapel has existed on the site since at least 1250, but the first stone church was consecrated in 1544. The present church tower is the only remaining part of that original building, while the rest of the church was rebuilt in the 17th century and completed in 1740. The "Eye of God": A unique and notable feature of the church is an elliptical shape on the western side of the tower, known as the "Eye of God." Local legend says this was installed after the witch trials to ward off evil spirits and witches. The "Witch's Grave": In the churchyard, there is a stone carved with a skull and crossbones that is popularly, though incorrectly, believed to be the grave of Alice Nutter, one of the accused witches. Historians debate this, as executed witches were typically not given a Christian burial in consecrated ground. The carving is also a common "memento mori" design, meant to remind people of their mortality. Connection to the Pendle Witches The Demdike family, one of the two main families at the center of the trials, lived in Newchurch. Elizabeth Southerns, known as "Old Demdike," was a matriarch who was regarded as a witch in the area for 50 years. Her daughter, Elizabeth Device, and her grandchildren, James and Alizon Device, were also accused.
Pendle Witches Tour – Roughlee Roughlee is a small, picturesque village in the Pendle district of Lancashire, England, historically associated with one of the most famous figures from the Pendle witch trials of 1612: Alice Nutter. While she is strongly linked to the village, historical records indicate that she did not live at the most commonly cited location, Roughlee Old Hall, but rather at a nearby farm. The Waterfall and Cottages The waterfall is a prominent feature in the heart of the village, located on Pendle Water. The cottages, often referred to as 'Waterfall Cottages,' are a row of historic buildings situated alongside the water. Historical Context: The waterfall is not a completely natural feature; it was built up in height to provide power for a local mill, Judson's Mill. This highlights the area's industrial past, a common theme in the Pennine valleys of Lancashire. The cottages hold a strong link to the history of Methodism. A blue plaque on one commemorates a visit by John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, who preached there in 1747 and again at the bridge opposite the Bay Horse Inn. The Graveyard Behind the Cottages Behind the row of cottages lies a disused graveyard, the former site of a Wesleyan Methodist chapel built in 1823. Though the chapel was demolished in 1976, the graveyard remains. Some gravestones are now part of private gardens. As many as 92 people are buried there, including Mary Holgate, who died in childbirth in 1874.
Pendle Witches Tour – Roughlee Alice Nutter's Life and Trial Alice Nutter was a wealthy, English Recusant noblewoman. Unlike most of the accused, she was a person of standing, possibly targeted due to her Catholic background. She was accused of attending a witches’ coven on Good Friday in 1612 and of murdering Henry Milton alongside Elizabeth Device. Her chief accuser was nine-year-old Jennet Device. Alice maintained her innocence throughout her trial at Lancaster Castle. She was denied legal counsel and the right to call witnesses. She was found guilty and hanged on August 20, 1612, with nine others. Roughlee and its Commemoration of Alice Nutter Today, Roughlee lies in the Forest of Bowland AONB. It features a statue of Alice Nutter, unveiled in 2012, created by artist David Palmer. The statue portrays her as a noblewoman, challenging the image of a stereotypical witch. Though Roughlee Old Hall is often named as her residence, she more likely lived at Crowtrees or Damhead nearby. Roughlee Old Hall, a Grade II listed building from 1536, is still known locally as the 'Witches' Hall.
Pendle Witches Tour – Barrowford Barrowford's connection to the Pendle Witches is primarily as a key location within the historical and geographical context of the famous 1612 witch trials. While the village itself wasn't the scene of a major event in the trials, it's situated in the heart of "Pendle Witch Country" and plays a significant role in preserving and telling the story. Geographical Proximity: Barrowford is located at the foot of Pendle Hill, the area where the accused witches lived. The events unfolded across this rural landscape, which at the time was considered a wild and lawless region by authorities. The proximity makes Barrowford a natural starting point for anyone exploring the history of the Pendle Witches. The Pendle Heritage Centre This is the most significant link. The Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford is a museum and visitor center dedicated to the history of the area, with a major focus on the Pendle Witches. It provides a detailed account of the trials, the accused individuals, and the social and political climate of 17th■century England that led to the accusations. The center serves as a hub for tours and information related to the witch trials. The "Witches' Trail" Barrowford is often the starting or a key point on the "Pendle Witches' Trail," a route that follows the journey the accused individuals were forced to take from their homes to Lancaster Castle for their trial. The trail includes various waymarkers and significant locations from the story, and the Pendle Heritage Centre is a key stop for those following the route.
Pendle Witches Tour – Barrowford Historical Context The story of the Pendle Witches began with an altercation in a nearby area when a young woman named Alizon Device, from a family known for practicing traditional healing, cursed a pedlar who refused to give her pins. This incident triggered a wider investigation by the local magistrate, Roger Nowell, which eventually led to the arrest and trial of twelve people. The accused were largely from two rival families, the Demdikes and the Chattox, who lived in the isolated hamlets around Pendle Hill. The Trials and Aftermath Ten of the accused were found guilty and executed by hanging at Lancaster Castle in August 1612. The trials became infamous due to the high number of executions at one time and because they were exceptionally well■documented in a book published by the clerk of the court, Thomas Potts. In summary, Barrowford is a modern gateway to a dark and fascinating piece of history. While the events of 1612 didn't happen directly in the village, its role as the location of the Pendle Heritage Centre makes it central to understanding and exploring the legacy of the Pendle Witches. If you wish to visit the Museum there is a cost of Five pounds.
Pendle Witches Tour – Fence Fence, a village nestled in Pendle Forest, has direct ties to the witch trials: Anne Whittle (Old Chattox) was a resident of Fence. Cuckstool Lane According to local historical records, Cuckstool Lane, which runs south from the War Memorial, was the original location of the village’s ducking stool. This was a device once used to punish suspected witches and, purportedly, suspected cuckolds (those thought to have committed adultery) by immersing them into a pond. Ashlar House Sometimes known as Hewn Atchelor, was built around 1594. It is a Grade II* listed building, located in Higham-with-West Close Booth, Lancashire, specifically on Barrowford Road. Pendle Witches Connection: It is most notably connected to the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612. After their arrest, some of the accused, including Old Demdike (Elizabeth Southernes) and Old Chattox (Ann Whittle), were reportedly taken to Ashlar House for examination of their evidence by local Justice Roger Nowell of Read Hall. The house is built of stone with a stone slate roof. It has a two-storey porch, and features moulded tablets with inscriptions including "1594 Richard Grimshaw John Boxand Fear God, know thyself Honor the Prince." It has stone mullion and transom windows, and some interior features include a stone moulded doorway with a decorated head. It may have originally served as a Catholic Chapel and dwelling house for a priest, and was also known as the New House within the Forest of Pendle.
Pendle Witches Tour – Fence Hoarstones Lodge Some local folklore and stories suggest that "Hoarstones Lodge" (likely referring to a building on the Hoarstones estate) was a meeting place for the Pendle witches. While the details of these meetings are shrouded in legend, the connection persists due to its proximity to Pendle Hill, a central location in the witch trials. An iron cross found in the walls of the present-day Hoarstones House (rebuilt in 1895 from an earlier 16th-century building) may have been placed there as a defense against witchcraft, suggesting a belief in its efficacy during the period of the witch trials. The present Hoarstones House dates from about 1895, rebuilt on the site of an earlier 16th-century building. This earlier structure would have been contemporary with the Pendle Witch trials. Hoarstones is situated within the village of Fence, which itself has strong historical ties to the Pendle Forest and its association with the witch trials. The village name "Fence" derives from an enclosure erected within the royal forest of Pendle to keep the King's deer. In summary, while the idea of a prominent stone circle at Hoarstones appears to be a modern myth, the location still carries significant historical weight due to its connection to the 1633 witchcraft trials and local folklore surrounding the Pendle Witches. The name itself likely refers to ancient boundary markers, rather than a ceremonial stone arrangement.
Pendle Witches Tour – Higham Higham sits on the route between the Forest of Pendle (where many of the accused witches lived) and Read Hall, the home of Roger Nowell, the magistrate who investigated the witches. This makes it likely that those arrested were marched through or held near Higham en route to interrogations. The Four Alls Inn The Four Alls Inn in Higham is indeed linked with the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612. According to local history, Anne Whittle (known as Chattox) was accused of bewitching the landlord’s drink and turning the beer sour at this very inn. Allegations also included causing illness in John Moore of Higham’s family, allegedly poisoning his son via a clay image — a key claim in the witchcraft accusations. Although the inn itself was built in 1792 or 1798 — well after the trials — it’s referenced in folklore and later histories as the site of Chattox’s alleged maleficence. This means the actual building from the period no longer exists, but the stories persist and the current inn is firmly tied into the Pendle Witch narrative.
Pendle Witches Tour – Higham The Court Connection The inn also has a legal history. The Halmote Court, which was a local manor court, was transferred to the Four Alls Inn after the previous venue, Higham Hall, was deemed unsuitable in the 19th century. This adds to the historical significance of the building, though it is unrelated to the witch trials. The Inn's Name The name "Four Alls" comes from its sign, which depicts a king, a priest, a soldier, and a common man, with the accompanying inscriptions: "I govern all," "I pray for all," "I fight for all," and "I pay for all." This name and its message were popular at the time of the Industrial Revolution and are a reflection of the social and political climate of the late 18th century.
Shadows of Pendle Hill
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