The Pendle Witch Trials | Dark History

Journey to the eerie hills of Lancashire in the early 17th century, where one of England’s most infamous witch trials unfolded. In this episode, we delve into the chilling story of the Pendle witch trials, a saga of betrayal, superstition, and survival. Discover how twelve accused witches were caught in a storm of paranoia and fear, leading to a brutal trial that would seal their fates and leave a lasting mark on history. We’ll explore the lives of these individuals, the societal forces that led to their persecution, and the dark legacy they left behind. Tune in as we unravel the mysteries and myths surrounding the Pendle witches and reflect on what this haunting chapter of history reveals about humanity's enduring fear of the unknown.

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[wanderinghistorian]

"To condemn and prosecute witches and supporters of witchcraft."

I like how you could just be a "patron of witches." Like, I don't know how to cast spells, but I support their work. LOL

[erincorcoran]

You have to wonder what the "questioning" consisted of to make so many people confess themselves and their loved ones 🤔

[freyjascats]

17 witches and 3 wizards? Ugh, my coven meetings NEVER have a turnout that good.

[tommcdonald]

As a North Shore Massachusetts native, stories of the persecution of outcasts as witches like this (and the Salem Witchcraft Hysteria), resonate.

[robo]

Jane Wilkonson's testimony about pinching feelings on the tips of her fingers and thumbs sounds like the early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

[pyrolink]

I know this is more akin to a history lesson, but I swear the overall feel + accent just makes it feel like I’m listening to you gossip about some witchy scandal and I love it lol

[patriciamurray]

Every time you say Lancashire i can't help but auto correct in my brain to Lancre, from Discworld books, as i am currently going through the the audiobook Maskerade .

[christinithcaldwell]

Perfectly logical. Instead of trading your immortal soul to lift yourself out of poverty, trade it to inflict minor inconveniences on your neighbors. Spoil their cow’s milk. Suffer them a slight stroke. Makes sense.

[May-or-May-not]

I can't help it. Whenever I hear about this I just keep thinking "so how does Anathema Device and Agnes Nutter fit into this?" 😅

[aureality]

Congrats on 150k subscribers. History is so fascinating and creepy....

[bboops]

This video has simply told me, that you, my dear, are underpaid for the amazing work you do. YouTube needs to pay creators more and I understand why sponsorship and patreons are so important for amazing content creators like you.

[disgruntledmoderate]

The moment I realized Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett stole surnames for Good Omens from an actual witch trial. 😮👀

[emmajoppe]

I wonder how Alizon thought of her role in the trials in her later life, it's so mind-blowing to think of the lived experience of the past

[alishac]

Somehow, this is my first time seeing your channel and i had to subscribe, instantly, just from the name alone. Libraries are a safe space for shy and bullied children, full of stories and inner worlds inviting you to dream of a new life. It‘s the best place in the whole world, full of infinite possibilities and mythology. ❤ Thanks for the witchy history.

[LizbetNene]

Lancaster resident here, great to hear your coverage of the story. Hoping to walk the Pendle Witches trail this year.

[Skitterwayed]

I've been obsessed with the Pendle With trials ever since reading the Spooks Apprentice books as a child! This was a really interesting video, thank you :)

[RedSpade]

I've studied Witch Trials a lot throughout my life, but this particular case I hadn't heard about!

Love your storytelling vibes!

[christopherflux]

If you ever get the chance to visit Lancaster Castle, where the witches were imprisoned, it’s worth it. It’s also where Josef Pilates invented the Pilates technique whilst as a prisoner of war.

[geraldb]

Thanks Cinzia. As a Lancashire person I enjoyed this video very much. In fact I might give the old Lancashire Witches novel by WH Ainsworth a re-read. Have you heard of Joseph Delaney. He wrote the fantasy horror novels the Wardstone Chronicles. The Spooks Apprentice. He took a lot of inspiration for his characters and stories from those witches (or unfortunate and innocent ladies as I should call them) they're quite fun if you don't mind YA and 1st person narrative. Just a little local knowledge for you. I live in the town Thornton Cleveleys near where the aforementioned landed gentry owned their property . It's just a few miles north of Blackpool. My Dad used to live on Nutter Road in the 40s and 50s. In fact I just passed it this afternoon. That's my waffle done now see you soon ☺

[Lucius]

'Nutter'? Was that name 'Nutter'? I wonder if Gaiman & Pratchett researched these trials in writing 'Good Omens'...