The Pendle Hill Witches & Witch Trials: Exploring Lancashire’s Haunted Past

The Pendle Hill Witch Trials of 1612 were one of England’s most notorious witchcraft trials, resulting in the execution of 10 people accused of practising witchcraft in Lancashire. I travelled to Pendle Hill in Lancashire to learn more about the Pendle Witches and this significant event in British history.

Pendle Hill looms as a dark, eerie backdrop to one of England’s most infamous witch trials. The hill in Lancashire was once a symbol of fear, superstition, and the chilling power of accusation in a time of mass hysteria.

As one of the most famous witch trials of the 17th century, the Pendle Hill Witch Trials have fascinated people for over 400 years. The trials are so significant that they’re said to be the UK’s answer to Salem. They’re also some of the best recorded of the 17th century.

Though the trials are long over, the historic significance of the Pendle Hill witches still stands. Even now, people flock to Lancashire to discover more about the dark history that took place there back in 1612.

As part of my challenge to visit all of Britain’s Top 50 Folklore & Superstition locations, I visited Pendle Hill on a cold and rainy day in April. Here’s what I learned when I visited.

Before we dive in, I should preface this by saying that while Pendle Hill is strongly associated with the trials, there’s no evidence that key events happened on the hill itself!

The Pendle Hill Witch Trials: A Brief History

It all began on a cold lonely road on the 21st March in 1612. Walking to Trawden Forest was Alizon Device, a 17-year-old girl who hailed from a poor family living in the Pendle Forest. Alizon encountered John Law – a pedlar from Halifax – and asked him for some pins, which were believed to be used for folk magic during that time. When he refused, Alizon cursed him and he collapsed onto the ground. It’s important to note, however, that it’s uncertain whether he collapsed immediately after she cursed him, or whether his condition worsened later. It’s also commonly believed that he suffered a stroke.

This simple act was the catalyst for the Pendle Hill trials. That being said, no one truly knows what happened on that day. Some believe Device was a witch and that she cursed him. Others believe she just mumbled in frustration under her breath, which happened to be bad timing as he later suffered a stroke.

However, John Law believed she cursed him and Alizon was brought to her local magistrate, where, under immense pressure, she confessed to everything. She also incriminated her grandmother – Elizabeth Southerns/Old Demdike – and Anne Whittle/Mother Chattox. Old Demdike had been known in the area as a witch for fifty years, though of course not a witch as we know it. It was an accepted part of life back then, to practice magic and heal with herbs and medicines!

This sparked a broader investigation, leading to the arrest of several others from the two families. In April, Demdike, Chattox, Device and Whittle’s daughter, Anne Redferne, are committed for trial for witchcraft at Lancaster castle. 

On Good Friday, the Demdike and Device families meet at Malkin Tower (the home of the Demdikes) to feast on stolen mutton, but are then accused of plotting to free the imprisoned women and blow up the castle. The idea that the gathering at Malkin Tower Pendle was a “witches’ Sabbath” was likely fabricated by authorities rather than an actual occult meeting.

Those who attended the meeting – named the Witches Sabbath – are rounded up and imprisoned at Lancaster Castle. All those accused swung from the gallows – except for Demdike who had died in prison before the trial. 

Since the trials, there have been many petitions to pardon the Pendle Hill witches for their crimes – but it was decided that their convictions should stand. 

Of course, this is just a very brief history covering the Pendle Witches story – there is so much more to be told but that’s another post for another time!

Who Were the Pendle Hill Witches?

I think regarding events like this, it’s always really important to take time to remember the victims involved. So often do we spend so much time focusing on the darker details of crime cases, when in reality we should shed light on (and remember) the victims as well.

Those trialled in the Pendle Witch Trails were:

• Elizabeth Southerns, also known as Demdike
• Elizabeth Device – daughter of Demdike
• James Device – son of Elizabeth Device
• Alison Device – daughter of Elizabeth Device
• Anne Whittle, also known as Chattox
• Anne Redferne – daughter of Chattox
• Alice Nutter
• Jane Bulcock
• John Bulcock son of Jane Bulcock
• Katherine Hewitt – also known as Mould-heels

Each of the accused was found guilty during the two-day trial and was hanged at Gallows Hill in Lancaster on 20th August 1612 – all but Demdike, who died in prison whilst awaiting trial. Alice Grey was also accused of witchcraft but was found not guilty. 

The Pendle Hill witches were tried in a group with others: Isabel Robey from Windle (accused of using witchcraft to cause sickness), Margaret Pearson from Padiham (facing her third trial for witchcraft) and the Samlesbury witches – Jane Southworth, Jennet Brierley, and Ellen Brierley.

It’s important to note that many of the accused protested their innocence until the very end. Some of the accused – such as Alizon Device, believed they were guilty. Much of the evidence offered in the trials was questionable. For example, Jennet Preston was found guilty because when she was taken to see the body of Thomas Lister of Westby (who she was accused of murdering with witchcraft), the body bled profoundly when she touched it. 

Elizabeth Device was charged with the murders of James Robinson, John Robinson and Henry Mitton – mainly because her nine-year-old daughter, Jenet Device gave testimony against her – but it’s also believed that her eformity may have influenced perceptions of her as a witch!

Alice Nutter’s case is notable because she was not part of either of the two main families involved in the trials, the Devices or the Demdikes. She was also relatively wealthy compared to the others. While there was little direct evidence against her, she was accused mainly based on her alleged involvement in the meeting at Malkin Tower.

Visiting Pendle Hill – 10 Witchy Things to Do in Pendle & Beyond

It’s important to note that although so many people travel to Pendle Hill and hike the hill when familiarising themselves with the Pendle Hill witches and their dark story, the hill itself is not actually significant to the witches or the trial at all.

Pretty much all events that took place was located around the base of the hill. That’s not to say that Pendle Hill isn’t worth hiking – it does offer stunning views across Lancashire but you won’t find anything directly related to the witches by doing so. That being said, there are plenty of witchy things to do in the area!

Here are the best witchy things to do in Pendle and Lancashire:

Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford

The Pendle Heritage Centre is a great starting point. This small museum and visitor centre is packed full of history regarding the trials and I really liked that it broke down each significant event day by day. It was fascinating and there was a lot to learn! You’ll also find a small tea room on-site and a wonderful gift shop selling lots of handmade artwork, gifts and books to learn more about the trials. 

Alice Nutter’s Grave at St Mary’s Church, Newchurch

Alice Nutter’s grave is said to be found at St Mary’s Church, Newchurch – but this is highly debated as it was unheard of for convicted witches to be buried in consecrated ground! Although it’s more likely that she was buried in an unmarked grave with the other witches on Lancaster Moor, this headstone does have the Nutter surname. So it does belong to the Nutter family.

If you’re looking for other Pendle Hill witches’ graves, no one truly knows. If you do want to pay your respects, you can leave flowers at Alice Nutter’s Statue (below).

Alice Nutter’s Statue, Roughlee

Alice Nutter’s statue was commissioned in 2012 (the 400th anniversary of the trials) to commemorate the victims of the 1612 Pendle Witch Trials. It’s a really moving piece and it’s great that there is a place where people can remember the victims and pay their respects – particularly as there are no confirmed Pendle Hill witches’ graves that we can visit. That being said, the statue is just randomly beside a main road, so it’s not as peaceful as you’d imagine.

Clitheroe Castle, Clitheroe

It’s believed that the Pendle Hill witches were held in the dungeons of Clitheroe Castle one night, on their way to Lancaster Castle. Whereas in other towns and villages, the witches were paraded for their crimes, in Clitheroe, the authorities were rather scared of them. So instead of being held in a locked room in a tavern, in Clitheroe, the witches were held in Clitheroe Castle’s cellar.

Clitheroe is also where Margaret Pearson – the only witch who wasn’t hanged – was instead sentenced to be publicly shamed before serving a one-year prison sentence.

Whether the witches were held overnight at Clitheroe Castle or not, this stunning medieval castle is still worth a visit, with tons of history to explore. 

Witches Galore Shop, Newchurch-in-Pendle

This wonderful and famous shop has nothing to do with the trials but is definitely witchy and worth visiting. It’s filled with so many magical souvenirs and witchy things. As usual, I found myself overwhelmed by what to buy as there was so much on offer! As well as souvenirs, you’ll also find lots of magical and witchy supplies like spell books, candles, incense and tarot cards. This lovely shop celebrates witchcraft, thankfully!

Lancaster Castle, Lancaster

With over 1,000 years of heritage and history, Lancaster Castle is well worth a visit even if you’re not interested in the Pendle witch trials! It’s certainly a spooky place, with over 200 executions having taken place there (only 43 for murder!) and still housing one of the oldest working crown courts in the country.

But of course, it is most famous for its relation to the Pendle Witch Trials. Here the witches were held during the trial, locked up in Well Tower, also known as the Witches’ Tower. It’s also where Elizabeth Demdike died in horrible conditions. You’ll find a small exhibition inside, relating to the trials.

During a three-day Assisze – where the prisoners were not allowed to have any defence counsel or witnesses to speak on their behalf – ten were sentenced to death and hanged on the nearby Gallows Hill.

Gallows Hill, Lancaster

Did you know that Lancaster earned the nickname of the Hanging Town, due to more people being sentenced to hanging there than any other town outside of London?

We don’t know the exact spot where the witches were hanged, but we have some ideas. Many believe Gallows Hill took place on the moors close to Williamson Park. Then, from 1800, executions instead took place at a spot called ‘Hanging Corner’ at Lancaster Castle.

Some believe that The Ashton Memorial at Willamson Park stands on the exact spot of Gallows Hill – which makes for a lovely photo op, as the building is beautiful.

The Golden Lion, Lancaster

Often, those sentenced to death at Lancaster Castle were carried in a cart from the castle and along Moor Lane where they’d stop at The Golden Lion pub for a last drink. Though there’s no evidence the witches stopped here, it’s rumoured that the witches took the same route and that they too stopped for a drink here before their execution.

Though the original building no longer stands, the pub there now dates back to the 17th century and is said to be haunted by a nun who would escort the condemned to the gallows in the 16th century.

So although there’s no evidence it’s directly related to the witch trials, it is believed to be and is worth visiting if you enjoy spooky history! You can grab a bite to eat or even enjoy a drink in the pub’s aptly named Witches’ Room. You’ll also find a plaque in memory of the witches outside the pub, just beside the front door.

The Pendle Inn, Barley

This historic pub is iconic in that it has the famous witchy sign outside! Although that’s about its only link to the Pendle Hill witches, I’d still recommend visiting for a bite to eat. It’s in the heart of Barley Village and right beside the main car car park, so it’s a great place to grab food before or after your Pendle Hill walk. It’s super cosy inside too, with tasty food (if a little on the pricey side!), including handmade Pendle Pies. 

They also have accommodation in their Ammex Rooms next door, which is a great choice if you plan to stay in Pendle overnight.

Grave Notes: Google can be a little misleading in that the inn’s full address is Barley, Burnley. It’s not technically in Burnley (in fact, it’s between Burnley and Clitheroe), so although you should use the full address, don’t drive to the town of Burnley itself. The full address is: The Pendle Inn, Barley Lane, Barley, Burnley, Lancs, BB12 9JX.

Faugh’s Quarry, Green Hill

It’s here that Demdike claimed to have met the devil, ‘near the stone pit in Goldshaw Booth, the devil in the shape of a boy wearing a coat half black, half brown and who said his name was Tibb’. There’s not too much to see here, except for The Green Man rock! This mysterious carving shows a face carved into the rock. Some believe the face is Tibb, whereas others believe it’s a memorial to a quarryman killed here in an accident Either way, it’s an interesting piece of folklore! I believe it’s found just off Well Head Road, between Newchurch and Sabden Fold, but when I manage to find the exact location myself I’ll be sure to share!

Malkin Tower, Pendle

Though you can’t actually visit Malkin Tower, I have to reference it anyway, as it’s really mysterious and intriguing. Malkin Tower (not actually a tower, but a cottage!), was the home of Demdike, and Alizon Device. It’s the location where all the witches met on the 10th of April 1612 and is one of the most famous alleged witches’ sabbat in English legal history! Malkin Tower is considered a significant location in the Pendle Witch Trials, although its exact location remains uncertain.

Malkin Tower no longer exists, but people have continued to search for it for years. The only firm evidence for its location is by Thomas Potts, who places it somewhere in the Forest of Pendle. However, even archaeological excavations have failed to uncover any remains of the buildings.

Some believe it may have been in the civil parish of Blacko, on the site of present-day Malkin Tower Farm, and others (Jonathan Lumby) contend it was instead on the moors surrounding Blacko Hill – near to an old road between Gisburn and Colne. Local folklore rumours that the remains of the cottage are buried in a field behind Cross Gaits Inn, of which the tower used to be featured on the inn’s sign!

Many people confuse Malkin Tower with Blacko Tower, still standing today, at the summit of Blacko Hill. However, Jonathan Stansfield constructed the tower so that he could see into neighbouring valleys. 

So although Malkin Tower doesn’t exist, you are very welcome to hunt for its remains yourself!

Map of Witchy Things to Do in Pendle (and Beyond!)

Is Pendle Hill haunted? The general area of Pendle Hill is supposed to be haunted, which doesn’t surprise me, given the dark history of the place. Would you be brave enough to explore the eerie hills of Pendle Hill after dark?

You could also take a Pendle Hill walk. There are six different self-guided trails you can take, from the short Walking with Witches Trails to the Pendle Witches Road Trail. Let me know if you’d like a guide to these and which one you should pick!

Finally, although it is a long way out, I would say if you’re spending a few days in the area, it might be worth visiting Blackpool and experiencing the Blackpool Dungeon. Although it is a more humourous look at history, it is informative and includes a show about the Pendle Hill witches. Plus Blackpool is a great place for spooky things to do anyway..!

Despite visiting Pendle on such a dreary day (and learning about such a sad subject), I genuinely had a lovely time exploring Pendle and the locations associated with the infamous witch trials. It’s great to see the community remembering the victims. I also love that there’s almost a fun and spooky feel to some places, with genuine witchy things on sale and witchy signs everywhere. It serves as a reminder that there is no shame in being a witch (not to say the victims actually were – that’s up for debate!) and that thankfully, times have changed a lot since the trials took place in the 17th century.

Pendle Hill was the third location I ticked off on my Britain’s Top 50 Folklore & Superstition Locations challenge! However, there are so many things to do in witch county that I’m already planning to head back soon.

🖤 The Pendle Witches
📅 3rd April 2024