One of the most notorious witch trials in England was that of the so-called Pendle witches in 1612. It was the reign of James 1 and religious fervour and victimization was widespread and insidious. James was terrified of a Catholic uprising after the Gunpowder Plot. He considered himself something of an expert on witchcraft and wrote a book on Daemonologie.
When Alizon Device, from a small village in Pendle, had a chance meeting with a pedlar while out begging, she was refused a pin. Alizon cursed the pedlar through her familiar spirit, a dog. The pedlar immediately collapsed, unable to move or speak. Alizon along with the members of two local, feuding families, were accused of witchcraft. The accusers’ evidence was based on little more than grudges, superstition and revenge for perceived wrongs.
Six of the twelve people taken and imprisoned in Lancaster Castle were from the rival families. Nine year old Jennet Device’s evidence helped to convict ten people, who were later executed, including members of her own family.
16th century St Mary’s Church where Mother Chattox is said to have desecrated graves to collect items for her spells and potions.
betweenthelinesbookblog.com 
This reminded me of reading The Black Hours by Alison Williams – a great read, but absolutely chilling.
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Yes, I loved The Black Hours too. The whole thing about witch trials was horrifying.
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And thanks Cathy too! This is definitely on the list of places I must visit (and I really want that mug!).
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It’s an amazingly vast area and beautiful area, even with the history.
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Thank you so much, June 🙂 Read a lot about the Pendle witches during my research. It looks beautiful there but such a horrible history.
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Fascinating Cathy, and lovely photos 🙂
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Thanks, Georgia 🙂
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Utterly fascinating! Now I want to visit to get a book and a mug! Brilliant post as always Cathy, think this has to be my favourite one yet! xx
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Thanks so much, Kate 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it xx
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Smashing photography, Cathy. Looks mighty cold, but winter can be so beautiful.
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Thanks, Hugh 🙂 It was very cold but yes, I agree – winter can be very beautiful, especially like this.
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Beautiful photos but a chilling back story!
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It is indeed.
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I’m glad I didn’t live in those good ole days. No one was safe. How mind-boggling, living in fear. I’ve read a handful of stories about witches and it’s horrifying what people went through. What a story!
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I’m glad I didn’t live then too, the whole thing was so shocking, I can’t begin to imagine….
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I agree with the others. Beautiful photos, as always but horrific history. I will admit to finding this fascinating, though. Human nature… It can be quite disturbing. Similar to the Salem Witch Trials.
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Yes, I should imagine very similar to the Salem witch trials. Thanks for stopping by, Sarah 🙂
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Ooh, my kind of place! 😊
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🙂
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Beautiful photos, Cathy! What a wonderful part of the world you live in!
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Thanks, Val 🙂 It’s part of the Forest of Bowland, a couple of hours drive.
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