The Pendle Witch Child Part 1

Simon Armitage presents the extraordinary story of the most disturbing witch trial in British history and the key role played in it by one nine-year-old girl. Jennet Device, a beggar-girl from Pendle in Lancashire, was the star witness in the trial in 1612 of her own mother, her brother, her sister and many of her neighbours and, thanks to her chilling testimony, they were all hanged.Armitage explores the lethal power and influence of one child's words, a story of fear, magic and
demonic pacts retold partly with vivid and innovative hand-drawn animation. He discovers how Jennet's appearance in the witness box cast its shadow way beyond Lancashire, impressing lawyers, politicians, clerics and even King James I himself, and setting a dark precedent for child testimony in witch trials as far away as America. Finally, in a dramatic twist to the tale, he reveals how, twenty two years after the original trial, Jennet's own words were very nearly the death of her - when she herself was put on trial, accused of being a witch by a 10-year-old boy.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• pendle witch child
• pendle witches
• trail british history
• hangings
• magic
• religion
• bbc documentary

[tribetng]

You know some how I knew this would find it's way to your channel, i really like this story will you be uploading the other two from this series? Love your channel love your work.

[AngelEyesz89]

@tribetng Hey Thank you :) Unfortunately this is the only one I'm uploading.

[xGunSh0tx]

Im just watching this for homework. But good though!

[gigsing]

Recently, whilst visiting the Pendle area, I purchased some 'Toothless Woman Despairing In a Cold, Dark Dungeon' Mint Cake. It was nice.

[SEGAZealot]

14:22 an Aussie trying to sound posh is frankly hilarious and a definite no no.

[TheCheetah666]

This is fascinating stuff. Thank you very, very much for putting it up on You Tube, I would have never seen it otherwise.