10 Newchurch
Trail
Go back up way came, bear first on left, up to X-roads and take left along top for mile or so along Stump Hall Road. At T- junction, turn left along Haddings Lane and follow road now called Well Head Lane for about a mile.along side of the valley. Watch out for quarry (1/2 mile before Newchurch) up on the left hand side - Faugh's Quarry. Park at gate.
Trial
The quarry here is where that Elizabeth Demdike claimed to have met her devil. In the stone pit near Goldshaw Booth', the devil came to her as a boy, wearing a brown/black' coat and calling himself 'Tibb'. These manifestations of evil are called 'Familiars' and many of the 'witches' claimed to have them when they were on trial. Find in quarry, where a mason has carved a likeness of Tibb (2pts, and extra 2 for the cross!).
On road, with quarry overlooking towards Moss End & Bull Hole Farms
Trail Carry on for 1/2 mile along the road, to Church
St Mary's Church in Newchurch has a famous eye 'to ward off the witches', as many people still think there are real witches about. 2pts
Famous Newchurch shop 'Witches Galore'
St Mary's Church
Alice Nutter is buried in consecrated ground at St. Mary's Church in Newchurch. She is laid to rest in the Nutter Family section of the cemetery. Her burial in a consecrated cemetery may seem surprising given the circumstances of her conviction as a witch. However, the specific reasons behind her burial are not well-documented, and there are several possible explanations that have been suggested over the years. The specific reasons for Alice Nutter's burial are speculative, as there is limited historical documentation on this matter. The motivations behind her burial could be a combination of factors, like:
Social Status: Being a woman of higher social status, perhaps she was able to secure a burial in consecrated ground due to her connections or influence within the community. She came from a relatively affluent family, and her social standing might have played a role in her burial arrangements.
Religious Factors: Another explanation could be related to religious considerations. The Trials were conducted during a time when religious beliefs and superstitions played a significant role in society. While Alice Nutter was accused of witchcraft, it's possible that some individuals within the community still considered her a devout Christian and deserving of a proper Christian burial. I have been told, but have no corroborating evidence, that she remained silent during her trial to protect a catholic priest relative. See 'Silence' below for more
Posthumous Reinterpretation: The perceptions of the Pendle Witch Trials and those involved have changed over the centuries. In modern times, Alice Nutter and the others accused in the trials are often seen as victims of a witch-hunt rather than actual practitioners of witchcraft - which several of those on trial were happy to declare. This reinterpretation may have influenced the decision to bury Alice Nutter in consecrated ground, as society's views on her guilt and innocence have evolved. 5pts
The local community raised money to create a statue in loving memory of Alice Nutter. The money was raised by the local Catholic church and its members. Find a Grave ID 132443187
There seems to be a story to be unearthed here. The explanations given here are quite convincing, but how did she escape the hanging cart in the first place?
Silence
(from ChatGPT) There are a few possible reasons why Alice Nutter might have chosen not to speak in her defense:
Fear: Alice Nutter may have been intimidated and afraid of the consequences of speaking out or denying the charges against her. The trials were notorious for their harsh treatment of accused witches, and many individuals feared retribution from the authorities or the community if they protested their innocence.
Legal advice: Alice Nutter might have been advised by her legal counsel, if she had any, to remain silent. In some legal systems, especially during that time, defendants were advised not to speak in order to avoid self-incrimination or to prevent further evidence from being presented against them.
Religious beliefs: Alice Nutter could have held religious or spiritual beliefs that influenced her decision to remain silent. Some accused witches during that period believed that silence would protect them from further harm or were guided by their faith to accept their fate passively.
The Judge Roger Nowell arranged for Henry Hargreaves, the forest constable to make inquiries. He found a clay image and human teeth among the graves at Newchurch.
