A witchcraft trial that preceded Salem took place in Lancaster, England, in 1612. The Pendle Witches were made up of twelve individuals who were accused of witchcraft, most from two rival families. Most of the accusations were from a nine-year-old girl named Jennet Device, who described gatherings at a place called Malkin Tower. One of the accused, Elizabeth Southerns (‘Old Demdike’) died in custody. Another, Alice Gray, was found not guilty. The remaining ten persons were unfortunately hung – one in July 1612, the others in August 1612. The proceedings are detailed in the publication The Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster.
Image courtesy ofThe Museum of Witchcraft and Magic IMAGE LINK
The Ghastly Historian 