After researching the Hartley family, i was interested in the Witches of Pendle. The Hartley's, lived on a farm in Barley and came from the same area as the Pendle Witches, although at different times .I have not made a connection with any of the Hartley's and the Witch's but you, reader may be looking for some information for your own research.
The Witches of Pendle lived during the reigns of Elizabeth 1st and James 1st between 1558 and 1625. It was a time of fear and superstition among all classes of society.
Wells, ponds and groups of stones were thought to be a sign of fairies ,elves and goblins. Evil spirits were thought to lurk around the countryside waiting to cause injuries. Charms such as horse shoes were thought to be effective in keeping away bad spirits.
The only true account of what led the 'Witches' to be hanged at Lancaster is a book titled 'The Wonderful Discoverie of Witches in the Countie of Lancaster'. It was written by Thomas Potts who was Clerk to the Judges of Lancaster .He wrote the book three months after their execution.
The witches came from two rival peasant families who lived on the slopes of Pendle Hill. They were led by two old women in their 80's called Elizabeth Southern nicknamed 'Demdike' and Anne Whittle nicknamed 'Chattox' Making a living by begging, they were feared by the local folks who thought they had special powers.
Nine 'Witches' are hanged in Lancaster on the 20th August 1612