Pendle Hill Braces for Halloween as Ghost Hunters Report Rising Activity

PENDLE HILL, LANCASHIRE — Ghost hunters say Pendle Hill, in Lancashire, is likely to see a great deal of activity this Halloween weekend, according to a report in the Daily Star. The hill has long carried a reputation as one of the most haunted places in Britain.

Robert Pulme, described as a professional ghost hunter, told the newspaper that more reports of activity have come in recently, though he noted the hill is always a popular hotspot at Halloween. He said visitors report feeling strange on the climb to the summit throughout the year, and he suggested that, judging by recent weeks, the witches could return on Halloween night.

The reputation dates to 1612, when, according to the article, twelve Lancastrians were accused of witchcraft in one of England's deadliest witch trials. Nine were found guilty and hanged on Gallows Hill. The report says nine-year-old Jennet Device was a key witness, and her testimony doomed her mother, brother, sister and grandmother.

Local legend holds that climbers of the 557-metre hill often feel uneasy or terrified for no reason, and sometimes lose their breath. Stephen Oldfield, a Lancashire historian, author and tour guide, mentioned rumours of phantom monks and reported breathing difficulties. He also described the place as feeling "like being in another country" even when compared with West Lancashire.

The article adds that druids, wiccans and witches visit the area, inspired by its past, and that covens gather to commemorate it. For the 400th anniversary in 2012, local organisations funded the Pendle Witches' Way and the Lancashire Witches' Walk. Mr Pulme called the hill a place of "extreme pain and fury." Visitors this weekend are advised by the report only that it is not for the faint hearted.