Something Wicked: The Lives, Crimes and Deaths of the Pendle Witches

The Pendle witches were accused, condemned, and redefined in 1612. Carol Ann Lee's new book offers a fresh perspective, revealing the truth behind the story and the trial. The book uncovers the reality of the two central, warring families and explores the trial and executions. It also uncovers the truth behind the legend of Malkin Tower and the final resting place of the Pendle witches.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2024
Publisher: John Blake Publishing Ltd

The autumn of 1612 saw a gruesome event unfold in the town of Pendle, Lancashire, England. Ten individuals, including women and children, were accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death by hanging. Their trial and execution were a spectacle that captivated the nation, with a vast crowd gathering at Lancaster's Gallows Hill to witness the gruesome scene. The accused and their associates had endured months of torture and imprisonment, with one of them dying in the dungeons of Lancaster Castle before the trial even began. Today, Pendle is a thriving tourist destination, with visitors flocking to the area to learn about the infamous witches and the trial that took place there. However, the story of the Pendle witches has been largely shaped by a single source: Thomas Potts' Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches, published in 1613. This book, which was written shortly after the trial, was heavily skewed in favor of the prosecution and has been the primary source of information about the case for centuries. Until now.

Enter Sunday Times bestselling author Carol Ann Lee, who brings a fresh perspective to the story with her book, "The Pendle Witches: A True Crime Story." Lee's research has led to revelatory discoveries that have transformed our understanding of the shadowy figures behind the infamous names and the terrible events that befell them. Through meticulous research and careful analysis, Lee uncovers the truth behind the Pendle witches' lives and alleged crimes, shedding light on the complex web of relationships and rivalries that existed in the town.

The book delves into the two central, warring families that were at the heart of the trial. Each family was headed by a fiercely independent widow who was known as a cunning woman. These women were accused of practicing witchcraft and causing harm to others, and their trial was a spectacle that captivated the nation. Lee's book reveals the reality of their lives and the circumstances that led to their arrest and execution.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Pendle witches' story is the legend of Malkin Tower. This tower, located on the outskirts of Pendle, was believed to be the home of a powerful witch who had been practicing her dark arts for centuries. The tower was destroyed during the trial, and the remains of the witch were burned. However, Lee's research has revealed that the legend of Malkin Tower may have been based on a real-life event. She uncovers the truth behind the tower's destruction and the fate of the witch, providing a fascinating insight into the dark history of Pendle.

Another enduring mystery of the Pendle witches' story is the final resting place of the witches. The bodies of the accused witches were buried in unmarked graves, and their remains were never recovered. Lee's book explores the various theories and speculations about the whereabouts of the witches' bodies, and she presents compelling evidence that suggests they may have been buried in a nearby cemetery.

The Pendle witches' trial and execution were a dark and tragic chapter in English history. The accused were subjected to brutal torture and imprisonment, and their deaths were a gruesome spectacle that shocked the nation. However, the story of the Pendle witches has also been a source of inspiration for countless works of literature, art, and film. Lee's book brings a fresh perspective to the story, challenging the traditional narrative and providing a more nuanced and accurate account of the events that took place.

In conclusion, "The Pendle Witches: A True Crime Story" is a ground-breaking book that will take the reader on a spellbinding journey into the dark heart of England's largest and most notorious witch trial. Through meticulous research and careful analysis, Carol Ann Lee has uncovered the truth behind the Pendle witches' lives and alleged crimes, shedding light on the complex web of relationships and rivalries that existed in the town. The book challenges the traditional narrative and provides a more nuanced and accurate account of the events that took place, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the history of witchcraft and the dark side of human nature.

Weight: 628g
Dimension: 175 x 243 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789465839