Filed under: Oli Dickinson


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Margaret Johnson

After the famous Pendle Witch trials of 1612, there was a second series of trials that took place in 1633.

Among the women charged with witchcraft was Margaret Johnson.

After lengthy inquisition, Margaret Johnson confessed to daemonic possession and acts of witchcraft. She wrote her own confession and was convicted at the Lancaster Castle.

Having already executed many women at the Assizes of 1612, the witches of 1633 were sent to London for further investigation before being put to death. On examination by doctors, it was found that Margaret had convinced herself of her own guilt.

The enforced belief that she was, in fact, possessed by the devil had caused irrevocable psychological damage to Margaret.

Although acquitted of witchcraft, she spent the rest of her days in Gaol with severe mental trauma.

This song is for Margaret Johnson.

Copyright © Oli Dickinson 2010 
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Hymn For Him

I would prefer not to comment on the development of this poem. I hope it can be appreciated in vacuum.

This poem is called "Hymn For Him"

I shall not cry for you, my friend.
I shall not hang my head.
I shall for, for their sake, pretend
A grieving heart could take your stead.

I shall not spend my days alone
Incensed by loss and pain.
They shall not sense it in my tone,
Nor shall my words suggest distain.

They will not find me by your grave
Enveloped in despair,
And some will say “How bold! How brave!”
And some will say I do not care.

I shall not cry for you, my friend,
For tears could not contain
My sorrow at your final end
If each tear were the driving rain.

I shall not cry for you, my friend,
For what would crying do,
But give my heart the chance to mend
And lose the memory of you.

Copyright © Oli Dickinson 2010
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2

Alice

Exclusive original song below...

Pendle Hill is a landmark of Central Lancashire and was thought to be the home of the most fearful witches in Britain. Situated at the end of the Rossendale Valley, Pendle overlooks the town of Burnley which is still infamous for the intolerance and division which was played out on the hill at the start of the 17th Century. 

The most well known coven to be discovered was that of Demdike, Redferne and Chattox. The ancestral home of the Demdike family was Malkin Tower. Following the trial and execution of "Old Demdike", a meeting was held at Malkin Tower in remembrance. Those in attendance at the "wake" were themselves accused of witchcraft and, after the well-documented Trials in York and Lancaster (the Assizes) also sentenced to be executed. The charges of "witchcraft" arose after murders in the area, which were said to bear evidence of the occult.

Amongst those said to be present at Malkin Tower was Alice Nutter. She was convicted of murder and executed as a witch. 
The Trial of Alice Nutter took place on 19th August 1612 at Lancaster Castle. Given the age of the case, it is unclear precisely what evidence was presented to the Court, however it is believed that the case against Alice Nutter was particularly weak. It is thought that there was no evidence to suggest that Alice was complicit to the murder for which she was convicted, and her involvement in witchcraft was established simply by the suggestion that she had been present at the meeting at Malkin Tower.

Alice Nutter was a Catholic. At the time, the practice of Catholicism was itself an offence for which the culprit could be executed. Two members of Alice's family had already been executed for conducting Catholic ceremonies. It is believed that Alice attended Malkin Towers on that fateful night as she was evading the authorities who were searching for Catholics who had attended an illegal mass which had been held the same night. 

Alice Nutter presented no evidence at her Trial, and made no comment when she was sentenced. 
She spoke only to confirm her plea. "Not Guilty" of witchcraft. 

It is believed that Alice maintained her silence to avoid betraying the identities of her fellow Catholic. 

Alice Nutter was executed in Lancaster in August 1612.

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Copyright © Oli Dickinson 2010
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