Pendle means an awful lot to a great many people, not just local people, not just Lancastrians, but people from all over the country, and indeed all over the world. A lot of tourists have read about the Pendle witches before they come here and they want to know about the folklore, but as much as anything they come for the beauty of the area.



The witch connection goes right back to the beginning of the 17th Century during the reign of James I. He lived in fear of rebellion and his suspicious nature led to an obsession with witchcraft. In 1612, nine local people were hanged for witchcraft in Lancaster in front of huge crowds and since then scores of books and stories have been written about the Pendle Witches.

The tale revolves around two rival families led by two old women called Demdike and Chattox. They were feared by local families who believed them to have special powers. In March 1612 Demdike's grand-daughter Alizon Device, whilst begging on the road to Colne, cursed a pedlar for refusing her some pins and rendered him paralysed. Later that month she was brought before the "Powers" and confessed to witchcraft. She also incriminated Demdike and Chattox, who, together with Ann Redfern, Chattox's daughter, were ordered to give evidence.

In April 1612 Demdike confessed to evil deeds, claiming that the devil came into her and sucked out her blood leaving her "stark mad". As a result the three women were sent to Lancaster Castle to await trial for witchcraft. Later that month several other supposed witches were also sent to Lancaster Castle, including Alice Nutter, a gentlewoman from Roughlee. Demdike died in prison whilst awaiting trial.



The Witches' Trial began on August 17th 1612 at Lancaster Castle. The judge found them all guilty, but admitted that he was moved by the ruin of so many creatures at one time.

Were these women really possessed with supernatural powers, or were they simply caught up in the obsession with witchcraft which prevailed at that time?.