On this day 18th August 1612 The trial of the Pendle witches, one of England's most famous witch trials, begins at Lancaster Assizes.
On this day 18th August 1612 The trial of the Pendle witches, one of England's most famous witch trials, begins at Lancaster Assizes. The trials of the Pendle witches in 1612 are among the most famous witch trials in English history, and some of the best recorded of the 17th century. The twelve accused lived in the area around Pendle Hill in Lancashire, 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. On 18th August Anne Whittle (Chattox) was accused of the murder of Robert Nutter. She pleaded not guilty, but the confession she had made to Roger Nowell was read out in c...