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Arguably, the Pendle witch trials are the most famous to have taken place in England. Join our online talk by Pendle Tour Guide, Simon Entwistle as we travel back to Lancaster in August 1612.

The only window on the trials is from the eye witness account of Thomas Potts, a clerk to the courts. In 1613, he wrote a book called ‘The Wonderful Discovery of Witches in Lancashire’. Potts’ account of the prosecution and successful conviction of 11 local persons from the forest of Pendle is believed to be an honest one. Simon’s talk will take us through each accused individual and their crimes. Were they falsely accused? Did the local magistrate want to curry favour with King James, a man paranoid about witchcraft? Or was something very dangerous taking place in the forest?

Join via Zoom for this fascinating lecture.

'Wicked Spirits? Witchcraft + Magic at Colchester Castle’ opens on July 16th and runs to January 6th 2023.

12+ Please note but this talk explores real historical
 events, including death and torture, which some people
 may find upsetting. 

£6 per person or book 5 events for £25

Online booking, alternatively, call the team at Colchester Castle on 01206 282939