The Curse Of Pendle

Novelist Jeanette Winterson is fascinated by the Pendle witch trials of 1612.

Centuries later, she contemplates their history - a tale of ambition, warring families and James I.

12 were accused, charged with the murder of 10 people by witchcraft. They are the best documented of all the witchcraft trials in English history.

This is a fascinating story which moves beyond the localised accusation and hysteria of the well-worn Salem trials in the US and draws in the superstitions of James I, the desires of titled families to attract his good favour, and the local disputes and battles of two 'common' families.

Using the publication of the proceedings by the clerk of the court, Thomas Potts 'The Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster', Jeanette weaves her own telling of the trial, whilst unearthing the back story and historic context.

Jeanette explores the local area, visiting key locations as she contemplates the 'countie' of the time. Even today this area of Lancashire has an above average proportion of Catholic families and, during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I, Catholic priests were regularly holding secret mass in the remote area of Pendle Hill. At the same time, James I was obsessed with witchcraft - he even wrote a book about it, Daemonologie.

Finally, Jeanette reflects personally on the trials and what they have meant to the development of the area.

Music composed by David Lloyd-Mostyn and performed by Aquilon

Producer: Kevin Dawson

A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4 first broadcast in November 2012.

400 years on, novelist Jeanette Winterson considers the Pendle Witch trials.