After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

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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ANECDOTE

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.
INSIGHT

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.
INSIGHT

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.
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