Which castle were the Pendle Witches held in?

'The Pendle Witches' by Christine Goodier MA. On August 20th 1612 ten people convicted of witchcraft at the Summer Assize held in Lancaster Castle went to the gallows on the moors above the town. Among their number were two men and a woman in her eighties.

Where were the Pendle witches imprisoned?

Perhaps the most notorious witch trial of the 17th century, the legend of the Pendle witches is one of the many dark tales of imprisonment and execution at Lancaster Castle. Twelve people were accused of witchcraft; one died while held in custody, eleven went to trial.

Does Malkin Tower still exist?

The location of Malkin Tower is uncertain. It may have been demolished shortly after the 1612 trials, as it was common at the time to dismantle empty buildings and recycle the materials. The building may also have been destroyed to eradicate the "melancholy associations" of the place.

Where are the witches buried in Pendle?

The gravestone of Ellin Nutter is behind the porch at St Mary's church Newchurch in Pendle dated 1651.

Did the Pendle witches walk to Lancaster?

You'll follow the lonely road the Pendle Witches took through the Ribble Valley to Lancaster Castle where they stood trial. Along the way there are places to visit which help piece together a mystery which is over 400 years old.

The Chilling True Story of the Pendle Witch Trials

What was the real reason that the Pendle witches were executed?

The trials of the Pendle witches 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 lived in the area surrounding Pendle Hill in Lancashire, and were charged with the murders of ten people by the use of witchcraft.

Which Pendle witch was found not guilty?

The second waymarker was for Katherine Hewitt, who'd been at Malkin Tower with Alice Grey, both accused of murder through witchcraft. Grey was the only one of the Pendle group found not guilty.

Where is the tree where the witches were hung?

Proctor's Ledge. Proctor's Ledge is the alleged spot of the infamous Salem Witch Trial executions, particularly the hanging tree, is a well-known tourist destination for paranormal enthusiasts and historians alike.

Where is the witches Pond?

The Witches Pond is a pond just outside the capital of Romania, Bucharest. This lake is known as the witches pond because there have been many witch gatherings in the middle ages. Also this pond is a pilgrimage sight for witches every year in the winter.

Is there a memorial for the Pendle Witches?

The statue, created in 2012 by artist David Palmer, stands as a quiet indictment of that injustice. Forged from oxidised copper, brass, and steel, it captures a woman walking — perhaps to the scaffold. She stands in the village of Roughlee, beneath the shadow of Pendle Hill.

What is the most witchy town in England?

Pendle is full of mystery with its untamed bewitching northern countryside. The trial of the 12 Pendle witches in 1612 was the most famous in England. They were accused of murdering 10 people using witchcraft. The defendants were mainly from two families, both headed by women in their eighties.

What happened to Old Demdike?

Alizon continued to admit her guilt, and old Demdike did not appear at the trial. She'd died in the horrid conditions at Lancaster Castle while awaiting the assizes. By the end of the trial, the only person found not guilty was Alice Grey. The remaining nine were hanged on 20 August 1612.

How haunted is Pendle Hill?

Many persons over the past centuries have sadly lost their lives on the hill and many locals still steadfastly refuse to go on the hill after dark due to the sinister sightings of ghosts and spirits that have been seen, felt and heard.

Where was Alice Nutter hanged?

Nutter protested her innocence although others pleaded guilty. Nutter's trial began at Lancaster Castle on 18 August where the accused were denied access to lawyers or the right to call witnesses. She was subsequently hanged at Gallows Hill in Lancaster on 20 August 1612.

Where was the last witch executed in England?

In memory of Temperance Lloyd, Susannah Edwards, Mary Trembles, of Bideford, died 1682, Alice Molland, died 1685, the last people in England to be executed for witchcraft, tried here & hanged at Heavitree. In the hope of an end to persecution and intolerance.

Who was the king during the Pendle witches?

The Pendle Witches lived during the reigns of Elizabeth I (1558 – 1603) and James I (1603 – 1625).

What was the worst witch trial in history?

Würzburg witch trials. The Würzburg witch trials of 1625–1631, which took place in the self-governing Catholic Prince-Bishopric of Würzburg in the Holy Roman Empire in present-day Germany, formed one of the biggest mass trials and mass executions ever seen in Europe, and one of the largest witch trials in history.

What does demdyke mean?

'Demdike' (possibly meaning 'demon woman') was the nickname of Elizabeth Southern or Southerns. In 1612, she was around eighty years old and blind. Demdike was a self-confessed witch who claimed to have a familiar called 'Tibb' that initially came to her in the form of a little boy and, later, as a dog.

How many Pendle witches were hanged?

The right horrible history

The trial of the Lancashire witches in 1612 was England's biggest peace time witch trial by far, 10 witches were hanged and a number of others were imprisoned. It all began with a conversation between Alizon Device and a pedlar who entered her village.

Who is the most famous witch in history?

The Witch of Endor

Back in Biblical times, perhaps the most famous witch in ancient history is The Witch of Endor. We hear of her in the book of 1 Samuel in the 28th chapter. Apparently, King Saul calls on her to raise the prophet Samuel's spirit from the dead to advise him in battle.

What was the most common execution method for witches in England?

Normally, people sentenced for witchcraft in England were executed by hanging. An exception was made when the person had committed another crime for which people were executed by burning at the stake.

Where are the Pendle Hill witches buried?

Sixteenth century St Mary's Church has a supposed link to Alice Nutter. It was unheard of for convicted witches to be buried in consecrated ground so after execution they would usually be buried secretly in unmarked graves. Despite this, many believe that Alice is buried in a family grave at St Mary's.

Where is the witches Village?

Soportújar, a small and charming village in the Alpujarra of Granada, is known as the "witch village." This destination combines an unparalleled natural setting with a rich cultural heritage that attracts travelers in search of magic, history, and stunning landscapes.

Where are the witches burnley fence?

Pendle Hill is famous as the home of the Pendle Witches who were trialled and executed for witchcraft in 1612. Combine history with stunning scenery, as this beautiful landscape welcomes walkers and countryside enthusiasts to par-take on a variety of walks.

Who was the youngest Pendle witch?

Nine-year-old Jennet Device was an illegitimate beggar and would have been lost to history but for her role in one of the most disturbing trials on record. Jennet's evidence in the 1612 Pendle witch trial in Lancashire led to the execution of 10 people, including all of her own family.