The year was 1612, a turbulent time in England's history, an era of religious persecution and superstition, now synonymous with the story of the infamous Pendle Witches. A true story, which still haunts the traveller today.

It was at the foot of Pendle Hill, (later the inspiration to George Fox's Quaker Movement) where nine villagers were found guilty of witchcraft following the murder of several people in and around the Forest of Pendle, and they were later sent to trial and hung at Lancaster Castle.

Mystery still surrounds their story even though their trial is one of the best documented in legal history. Follow them on the Pendle Witch Trail taking you on their journey from Pendle, through breathtaking Ribble Valley, to Lancaster where the witches found their fate.

It is nearly four hundred years since the imprisonment, trial and deaths of the Pendle Witches and people are as fascinated as ever and some people even remain on the summit overnight just to take in the atmosphere!

The Year of the Witches - 2012

2012 marks the 400th Anniversary of the Pendle Witches, and will be celebrated with a year of themed events. Check out this website nearer the time for more information.