Pendle Hill

This majestic, romantic hill lies east of Clitheroe, set amongst a number of villages and has much history associated with it. It is spiritually associated with George Fox’s vision in 1652, the 17th century Lancashire Witches, and the location both for the book “Mist over Pendle” and the film “Whistle Down the Wind”. The hill is 1827ft in height and offers stunning views across the Forest of Bowland, the Yorkshire Dales and on clear days, the Lake District.

At the top of the hill a 7000 year old burial ground can be found originating from the bronze age. More recently in the 17th century 19 women were accused of being witches and hung. The evidence was by no means conclusive but a considerable mythology has grown up around the witches. Their memory is perpetuated annually with a gathering on the hilltop each Halloween.

In 1652 a vision of God was seen on the summit by George Fox which led to him forming the Quaker Movement. The route he took is still used by people today in rememberance of his journey. This is how he described his experiences. “As we traveled, we came near a very great hill, called Pendle Hill, and I was moved of the Lord to go up to the top of it; which I did with difficulty, it was so very steep and high. When I was come to the top, I saw the sea bordering upon Lancashire. From the top of this hill the Lord let me see in what places he had a great people to be gathered.” This is taken from the Journal of George Fox, Chapter VI, A New Era Begins, 1652