St Mary's Church in Newchurch in Pendle, Lancashire, with a gravestone below of one of the relations of an innocent woman charged with witchcraft in the 17th century. The tower above dates back to 1544.
The Pendle Witch Trials are a shameful chapter in Lancashire's history. In 1612, 12 were accused in the area around Pendle Hill, and were charged with the murders of ten people by the use of witchcraft. All but two were tried at Lancaster Assizes on 18–19 August 1612, along with the Samlesbury witches and others, in a series of trials that have become known as the Lancashire witch trials. One was tried at York Assizes on 27 July 1612, and another died in prison. Of the eleven who went to trial – nine women and two men – ten were found guilty and executed by hanging; one was found not guilty.
Taking party in Inspired Sundays.
I'd love to hear that wonderful organ. Tom The Backroads Traveller
ReplyDeleteLovely post Chrissy.
ReplyDeletei enjoy the organ pipes and the stain glass windows ... lovely church. ( :
ReplyDeleteThat's a sorry tale about those poor women!
ReplyDeleteWitch history intrigues me.
ReplyDeleteAn impressive church... but a sad history.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting church filled with so much history.
ReplyDeleteLovely windows and that organ must sound heavenly! How barbaric we were back then.
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