The Pendle Witch Fourth Centenary Handbook - E-book - ePub

We have reached that prominent milestone of four centuries since the Pendle Witch trials of 1612. During the period of March to August of that year the number of people accused of witchcraft, and eventually standing trial for their lives, numbered almost two-score. Over half of these unfortunates ended their days on the rope at Gallows Hill in Lancaster. Four hundred years on it is perhaps surprising that the true Pendle Witch story still remains the stuff of half-fact and legend.
It is high time, then, to address this situation. We now have the power of inter-disciplinary research where history and modern concepts of landscape archaeology allow the real facts behind legends to be unearthed. Within these pages the product of modern research is laid bare. The reality of the Pendle Witch story is seen as never before as we meet the real people, see their homes and reveal the landscape in which they operated.
There are a number of surprises in relation to the legend of 1612 and it is hoped that this book will enable the record to be set as straight as reasonably possible. Written by a professional historian and landscape archaeologist this book leads the way in presenting the fascinating Pendle Witch story within its historical and physical context. Of the books written on the subject this one will stand the test of time to become a leading reference.