Newchurch in Pendle
| Newchurch in Pendle | |
| Lancashire | |
|---|---|
 Newchurch in Pendle | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SD822394 |
| Location: | 53°51’0"N, 2°16’19"W |
| Data | |
| Post town: | Burnley |
| Postcode: | BB12 |
| Dialling code: | 01282 |
| Local Government | |
| Council: | Pendle |
| Parliamentary constituency: |
Pendle |
Newchurch in Pendle is a village in Lancashire, adjacent to Barley, to the south of Pendle Hill. It was formerly part of the Parish of Roughlee Booth.
History
Famous for the Demdike family of Pendle witches who lived there in the 17th century. Newchurch used to be called 'Goldshaw Booth' and later 'Newchurch in Pendle Forest', however this was shortened to 'Newchurch in Pendle'.
Church
St Mary's Church stands in the centre of the village and is steeped in history. The church is not easily visible from the road, as it lies on the downward side of a steep hill, with a row of houses at the top and the primary school, St Mary's Church of England School, to the side. There was a chapel of ease on this site in 1250 and a later chapel was dedicated in 1544. The tower, although restored, is the only remaining part of that building.
The current church was probably built in the 17th century, it was only completed in 1740. An "Eye of Providence" is built into the west side of the tower as a deterrent from evil spirits. To the east of the porch, up against the south wall, is the grave of a member of the Nutter family (carved with a skull and crossbones).
Local legend has it that this church is the last resting place of Alice Nutter, one of the famous Pendle witches. However, this is no more than a legend: those executed accused of witchcraft were not normally buried in consecrated ground.
Events
Every August, since 1949, the ancient ceremony of rushbearing has been performed in the village. There is a procession around the village and the new Rushbearing Queen is crowned, followed by a service of thanksgiving in the church.
Outside links
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("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Newchurch in Pendle) |