# Pendle witch trials (1612)

URL: https://english-history.com/timeline/1612-pendle-witch-trials

Several people in Lancashire were executed for witchcraft after one of England's best-documented trials. Within the broader Stuarts & Revolutions period, the shared monarchy of England, Scotland and Ireland produced conflicts over religion, taxation and sovereignty that culminated in civil war, revolution and union. This event is placed at 1612 in the chronology so it can be read alongside the political, military, social and cultural changes around it. The episode illustrates the intensity of early modern beliefs about magic, religion and social disorder.

## Why it matters
The episode illustrates the intensity of early modern beliefs about magic, religion and social disorder.

Ruler at the time: [James I](https://english-history.com/rulers/james-i)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Pendle witch trials](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Pendle+witch+trials&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Pendle witch trials](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Pendle+witch+trials)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of British history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_British_history_%281600%E2%80%931699%29)
- [UK Parliament — Living Heritage](https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/)