

England's Worst Witch Trial: Pendle Witches
Mar 21, 2024
Historian John Callow discusses the dark history of Pendle Witch Trials in England. Topics include King James's Daemonologie, Jennet Device's role, societal dynamics, and the decline of witch trials. The podcast dives into the intricate details of the trials, societal perceptions, and the manipulation of children.
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Screaming in the Church
- Maddy recounts a spooky experience in a Lancashire church while recording another podcast.
- Screaming was heard at night, which turned out to be an owl.
Janet Device and the Trial
- Janet Device, a nine-year-old girl, accused her family of witchcraft in 1612.
- This trial inverted 17th-century social hierarchies, as a child's testimony held immense power.
17th Century Pendle Hill
- Pendle Hill in 1612 was a remote, poor area dominated by forest, largely untouched by authorities.
- The Stanley family's power did not reach there, and Catholic faith persisted.