Pendle Hill and Lancaster
The Lancashire hill where the 1612 trials began, and Lancaster Castle where ten people were condemned.
Practised and told of here
Best time: April to September for walking. Halloween is busy.
In 1612 twelve people from the Pendle area in Lancashire were charged with witchcraft. Ten were tried at Lancaster and hanged, one died in prison and one was acquitted. The key evidence was given by a child, Jennet Device, against her own family, and the case was written up in a book by the court clerk Thomas Potts.
The people
Two of the accused, Elizabeth Southerns (called Old Demdike) and Anne Whittle, were cunning women who sold charms and cures. Historians say the prosecutions followed local quarrels over begging and accusations of cursing, at a time when King James I had written about witchcraft and the court wanted convictions.
Remembering
Lancaster Castle, which held the prisoners, has been a courthouse and prison and is now open for tours. Barley and other villages near Pendle Hill run witch-themed trails that mix the history with local tourism.
Visiting
Pendle Hill is an exposed hill with a steep climb. The walks are open to all, and weather can change quickly.
A respectful visit to Pendle Hill and Lancaster
Living communities are not a show. Ask before photographing a person or a ceremony, and follow local rules.
- Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford Learn the local history of the trials.
- Pendle Hill walk Follow the signed route from Barley village.
- Lancaster Castle Visit the Shire Hall and the cells on a guided tour.
- Lancaster memorial Look for the memorial plaque to the Pendle accused.
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Pendle witches" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and ceremonies change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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