Malkin Tower

Discovering Malkin Tower: The Haunting Mystery of Pendle’s Witch Trials

Malkin Tower, a name that echoes through time like an ancient whisper, was the home of Elizabeth Southerns (Demdike) and her granddaughter Alizon Device in 1612. These two women were central figures during the infamous Pendle witch trials, where eight people were arrested for allegedly causing harm by witchcraft after a meeting at this mysterious building.

But what exactly was Malkin Tower? Was it a simple cottage or shelter built as a farm structure? Could its name ‘Malkin’ have been derived from terms describing poor women or animals? These questions swirl like mist around the tower’s true identity, leaving us to wonder about its past and its fate.

The Location of Malkin Tower

One thing is certain: the building’s location remains a mystery. Archaeological excavations have failed to confirm its existence, leading to speculation that it may have been demolished shortly after the 1612 trials due to dismantling and recycling materials.

Theories abound about where Malkin Tower might be located:

• On the site of present-day Malkin Tower Farm in the civil parish of Blacko
• Near an old road between Colne and Gisburn, surrounded by moors near Blacko Hill
• Near the village of Newchurch in Pendle

Local folklore adds another layer to this mystery. Some believe that remains are buried behind a nearby public house or in a field with a hollow called Mawkin Hole, but there is no concrete evidence to support any of these locations.

The 1891 Tower and Its Purpose

Adding to the intrigue, a solitary tower was constructed on Blacko Hill in 1891. However, its location and purpose remain unclear, further fueling the mystery surrounding Malkin Tower.

Archaeological excavations have been conducted in the Pendle Forest area, including Newchurch, but nothing conclusive has been found. This lack of concrete evidence only adds to the allure of this enigmatic structure that played a pivotal role in one of England’s most notorious witch trials.

The Legacy of Malkin Tower

Despite the uncertainty surrounding its exact location and purpose, Malkin Tower continues to captivate the imagination. It serves as a reminder of the dark history of Pendle and the lives lost during the witch hunts. The tower’s name has become synonymous with mystery and intrigue, much like a riddle waiting to be solved.

Could it be that beneath the surface of these theories lies the truth about Malkin Tower? Or is it simply a ghostly presence, haunting the minds of those who seek answers?

As we continue to explore the mysteries of Malkin Tower, one thing is clear: its legacy lives on. The tower stands as a symbol of the past, reminding us that history often leaves more questions than answers.

The search for Malkin Tower continues, much like a never-ending quest for knowledge. Will you join in the hunt to uncover this enigmatic structure’s true identity? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the mystery of Malkin Tower will continue to captivate and intrigue us for generations to come.