The History of Lancaster Castle Pt2

--> The History of Lancaster Castle Pt2 Welcome to part 2 of the history of Lancaster Castle. In this final instalment we cover the Pendle Witch Trials, Take a brief glimpse into life at debtor's prison, and discover what would happen to you as a child if you got caught committing an offence.





One of the most famous events at Lancaster castle was the Pendle Witch trials of 1612. During the reign of King James I, he passed laws which forbid any act of "making a covenant with an evil spirit, hurting life or limb, injuring live stock by means of charms or procuring love". All of these acts were subject to the death penalty.


The trial was centred on two families in which five of their members were accused (Elizabeth Southern, Anne Whittle, Ann Redfern, Elizabeth Device and Alison and James Device). Another five from the same locality (Jane Bulcock and her son John, Alice Grey, Alice Nutter and Katherine Hewitt) also stood accused. While awaiting trial, 80 year old Elizabeth Southern passed away in her cell.

The trial began in August of the same year and was presided over by Judge Bromley and Judge Altham. Lord Gerard and Sir Richard Hoghton were in assistance.


The prisoners were deprived of any counsel and could not call witnesses. On top of the original ten another ten defendants, also accused of witchcraft (The Samlesbury witches, also from Pendle along with Isobel Robey from Windle, near St Helens and Margaret Pearson, the Padiham Witch) were to stand trial.


In total, 20 people stood accused and their ages ranged from 9 years old to 80 years. The evidence produced stemmed from idle gossip, false accusations and rumours.


At the conclusion of the three day event, Anne Whittle, Anne Redfern, Elizabeth Device, Alice Nutter, Alison and James Device, Katherine Hewitt, Jane and John Bulcock, as well as Isobel Robey were all found guilty and sentenced to be hanged on the moor above the Town. Margaret Pearson was sentenced to be pilloried on four successive market days at Padiham, Clitheroe, Whalley and Lancaster. Once this was carried out, Margaret was to spend a further year in prison as part of her punishment. The Samlesbury witches and Alice Grey were not found guilty and set free.


Public executions took place at Lancaster Castle right up until the 1800's at a place called Gallows Hill. The prisoners would be taken from their cells in a cart and pass along Moor lane and Moor gate. They would pause briefly at a local public house where they could take their last drink with family and friends before proceeding to the gallows. People from all around the north west of England would congregate out in Lancaster's streets to watch these public hangings. After 1800 the hangings were shifted from the moor to a place within the castles confines. It was to become known as "The Hanging Corner".


Of all the executions carried out, a total of 265 in all, 43 were for murder and other crimes which included burglary, forgery, robbery and cattle stealing. 131 of these hangings were carried out by the one person - Old Ned Barlow. The last person to be publicly hanged was Stephen Burke in 1865.


Between 1788 and 1868, if you found yourself lucky enough to escape the hangman's noose, you may have found yourself being transported to a new penal colony called Australia. In total 200, 000 people found themselves ship bound to face the uncertainties of a hostile environment in NSW and Tasmania.


As a convict awaiting transportation you were entitled to the "Kings Allowance" of 2s and 6d a week. The government were charged anything from