Witchy Woo, with Kylie Anna

S2: E35 - True Crime Witch Trial Story - The Samlesbury Witches

Kylie Anna

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Join me for another True-Crime Style Witch Trial story, that saw three women accused of witchcraft.  

This episode tells the story of Jane Southworth, Jennet Bierley and Ellen Bierley, who fell victim to the patriarchal society and the Reformation of England at the time of 1612.

Caught between the religions of Catholicism and the Church of England, people were brought to trial over their illegal actions of continuing to follow the Catholic faith, yet often disowned and disinherited by their families if they switched their faith. It was a 'no-win' situation, in which, women were often thought to be the cause (obviously!).

In this heart-breaking story, these women were accused of child murder and cannibalism, all in the name of witchcraft, in Samlesbury, Lancashire, and were brought to trial on 19th August 1612.


As with all witch trial stories, I will be lighting a candle for:

Jane Southworth
Jennet Bierley
Ellen Bierley

And all the other victims of the witch trials. I will be lighting my candle on 4/8/24 at 7pm, and invite you to join me, either at the same time, or any time that feels right for you.

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts and theories? Were Jane, Jennet and Ellen witches? Or was it totally fabricated by Grace Sowerbutts as a punishment for not staying loyal to the Catholic faith?

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