THIS YEAR IS THE 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EXECUTION BY HANGING OF THE LEGENDARY PENDLE WITCHES. OVER RECENT YEARS THERE HAS MUCH CONCERN AS TO THEIR GUILT OR INNOCENCE. MANY BELIEVE THEM TO BE SIMPLY VICTIMS OF THE TUMULTOUS TIMES AND A CHILD’S MISGUIDED EVIDENCE.
 
MOORHOUSE’S HAS CHOSEN THIS YEAR TO GO LIVE ON SOCIAL MEDIA TO TEST PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR A PARDON FOR THE WITCHES. IT WILL RUN UNTIL HALLOWEEN.
 
THE CASE…….

For some time there has been much speculation as to the guilt or innocence of the legendary Pendle Witches. The question has often been posed as to whether or not they were put to death simply to appease a Protestant monarch obsessed with witchcraft.

King James 1 was keen to crack down hard on what he perceived as witches. Many local magistrates would find alleged ‘witches’ guilty on flimsy evidence to find favour with him during the religious tumult and anti-Catholic fervour of the early 17th century.

It does appear that the Demdike and Chattox families at the centre of the Pendle Witches accusations were ignorant and superstitious innocents - surviving by begging, offering herbal remedies and claiming special powers.

Moorhouse’s has built a successful brewing business with beers themed on the fascinating legend. But we too have become increasingly convinced that back in the 1600s there was a gross miscarriage of justice; that the accused were made an example of because of the harsh social climate and a ‘show trial’ that hinged on the evidence of a young girl.

It is beyond doubt is that they were condemned largely on the statements of nine year old Jennet Device, the granddaughter of Elizabeth Demdike who was cajoled and manipulated by the investigating magistrate, Roger Nowell. It appears that Nowell groomed this young girl in to creating evidence against her whole family.

When Jennet was interviewed by Nowell she is alleged to have revealed that on Good Friday 20 ‘witches’ had gathered at Malkin tower to feast on stolen mutton and ‘plot to murder’. She mentioned the names of all who had attended including Jennet Preston, John and Jane Bulcock, Katherine Hewitt and gentlewoman Alice Nutter. As a result the accused were condemned to death. We believe that that evidence, even if allowed, would be subject to much stricter rules of competence and closer scrutiny in a court today.

Did Jennet realise what the case was about? That is very doubtful. She is reported to have watched in horror as she witnessed the deaths of her mother, brother and sister.

We believe that this was a travesty of justice that could still be corrected, for history’s sake, if those unfortunates were officially pardoned under the rules of evidence in today’s legal system.

This year it is particularly appropriate to harness the power of the social media and test public in favour of a pardon.

If you agree with us please sign the petition.