The Pendle Witches James VI was the King

James VI was the King of England. He didn’t like witchcraft and witches. Most

In 1612, A lady called Alizon Device was begging on the road to Colne.

Alizon told the guards that she and her Grandmother had once been begging for

A week later, a meeting was arranged at Malkin Tower in Blacko, to discuss

When the trial began there was not any real evidence, just gossip, rumours and

After a 3 day trial, the Salmesbury Witches were found innocent but 10 of

Pendle Hill 12 of the women accused of being witches lived around Pendle Hill.

With acknowledgement to the TES Resource Website and its contributors.

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The Pendle Witches

James VI was the King of England. He didn’t like witchcraft and witches. Most people at the time were not bothered by witches but James wanted then gone so he told the people to let his government know if they had seen anyone practising witchcraft.

In 1612, A lady called Alizon Device was begging on the road to Colne. She asked a man called John Law for some pins but he was poor and had none. She was cross and cursed him. Soon after, he fell to the ground and became ill. He blamed Alizon. John Law told the guards and they arrested her. Alizon was scared and told them it was her fault.

Alizon told the guards that she and her Grandmother had once been begging for money from a miller called Richard Baldwin. When he had refused, they had cursed him too. A year later the miller’s daughter had died. The guards had heard enough and arrested her Grandmother too because of what Alizon had mentioned. They were sent to Lancaster castle to await their trial. 9 other women were arrested for admitting they were witches. One of these ladies was Alice Nutter.

A week later, a meeting was arranged at Malkin Tower in Blacko, to discuss how they could free the women. 9 people thought of a plan to kill the jailer and blow up the castle with gunpowder. The guards heard about their plan and they were also sent to Lancaster Castle to be tried for witchcraft. In all, there were 11 women arrested and sent to Lancaster Castle for witchcraft. These women were called the Pendle Witches, Salmesbury Witches and a Padiham Witch. In all, 20 people were brought to trial in August.

When the trial began there was not any real evidence, just gossip, rumours and confessions from people who lied.

After a 3 day trial, the Salmesbury Witches were found innocent but 10 of the people were found guilty of witchcraft and were sentenced to death by hanging.

Pendle Hill 12 of the women accused of being witches lived around Pendle Hill. People today climb up Pendle Hill because they think that it is where the Pendle witches used to meet and do witchcraft.

With acknowledgement to the TES Resource Website and its contributors.