The Lure of the Lancashire Witches

 The Lure of the Lancashire Witches by Jennie Lee Cobban
2011
Weight: 12 oz
Method of Disposal: Donating

I read a book by Jeanette Winterson about the Lancashire Witches right when Harriet and I started dating.  At this time, Harriet had moved back to England, and we were long distance.  We spent a lot of the time on Skype, learning about each other, our families, our past, where we grew up.  As it turns out, the "witches" were in Harriet's hometown, over 400 years ago.  Her mom, who is a most excellent gift giver, bought me this book so I would be able to read the history alongside the fiction.  

In the 1600's, Lancashire was seen as a place on the outskirts, known for its crime and sexual deviance.  It makes total sense then that, over 400 years later, I would find the love of my life there, right?  6 of the 12 accused came from two families.  There was Elizabeth Southerns (Demdike), and her lineage, and there was Anne Whittle (Chattox) and her family.  It is thought that these two families slung accusations at each other, which was clearly a terrible idea for everyone involved.

This dark and sinister history can be tracked down by interested folks in modern times, and it is. Anything terrible, after so many years, can become a tourist attraction, but "witches" seem to hold a special lure.