Lancashire Witches
400th Anniversary of the Lancashire Witch Trials, 1612-2012
Every year tens of thousands of people visit Pendle to take in the spectacular countryside and spellbinding story of the Pendle Witches, the most famous witches in the land.
2012 sees the four hundredth anniversary since the imprisonment; trial and deaths of the Pendle Witches and people are as fascinated as ever.
Under this section we will tell you the story of the witches that began way back in 1612 and how Lancashire will be marking this special anniversary of Lancashire Witch Trials.
You will also find several trails allowing you to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Pendle witches: walk up Pendle Hill and other inspiring walks. We will also tell you about other places of interest connected to the Pendle Witches, including St Mary's Church, Newchurch, Clitheroe Castle, Lancaster Castle, Pendle Hill and Judges Lodgings.
Pendle Hill
Lancashire
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Tell me the story of the Lancashire Witches |
A tale of mystery and murder |
On the trail of the witches |
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The year was 1612, a turbulent time in England’s history, an era of religious persecution and superstition. James I was King, and feared rebellion having survived the Gunpowder Plot of 1605... |
Close to Pendle Hill sits Malkin Tower, home to the family at the centre of the witchcraft allegations: Elizabeth Southerns, alias Demdike and her children Alizon, Elizabeth and James Device... |
In the shadow of Pendle Hill lie pretty villages, which tell a story of intrigue and witchcraft nearly 400 years old. Follow the route the Pendle Witches took through from Pendle to Lancaster Castle where they stood trial. |
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Books on the Lancashire Witches |
Pendle Hill |
Lancaster Castle |
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Discover the bewitching story of the Lancashire Witches with three new books, published to coincide with the 400th anniversary. |
This inspirational mound has a long and dramatic history, which dates all the way back to the Bronze Age – an ancient burial site was discovered at the summit of Pendle Hill. However, it is the sensational events that took place during the 17th century for which it is best known. |
Lancaster Castle is owned by Her Majesty the Queen, who is the 'Duke of Lancaster'. As well as being a fortification, the Castle was also one of Europe’s longest serving operational prisons until March 2011. Many alleged witches were brought to the Castle to face trial, the most famous being the Pendle Witches, who were tried, convicted and sentenced to death here in 1612. |
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Who were Lancashire’s Samlesbury Witches? |
Lancashire Witches 2012 Events |
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Tried alongside the defendants from Pendle were three women from Samlesbury... There was talk of causing death by cursing and of using human body parts in spells, of night flying and consorting with demons... |
2012 sees the four hundredth anniversary since the imprisonment; trial and deaths of the Pendle Witches and people are as fascinated as ever. Throughout the year Lancashire plays hosts to lots of events and exhibitions to celebrate and mark the anniversary. |
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Attraction Offers
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Food and Drink Offers
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Accommodation Offers
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More Inspiration
Follow in the steps of the Lancashire Witches
- Lancashire Witches Car Trail - Part 1
- Lancashire Witches Car Trail - Part 2
- Lancashire Witches Car Trail - Part 3
- Lancashire Witches Car Trail - Part 4
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- Pendle Three Peaks Walk (pdf)
- Pendle Hill Walk (pdf)
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