About The Most Harrowing Witch Trial In British History | The Pendle Witch Child | Real History
Simon Armitage presents the extraordinary story of the most disturbing witch trial in British history and the key role played in it by one nine-year-old girl. Jennet Device, a beggar-girl from Pendle in Lancashire, was the star witness in the trial in 1612 of her own mother, her brother, her sister and many of her neighbours and, thanks to her chilling testimony, they were all hanged. In 'The Pendle Witch Child' poet Simon Armitage explores the lethal power and influence of one child's words - a story of fear, magic and demonic pacts retold partly with vivid and innovative hand-drawn animation.
The Most Harrowing Witch Trial In British History | The Pendle Witch Child | Real History is presented by Real History. Its listed runtime is 60 minutes. The source link and publisher attribution are provided with the embedded film.
As a history documentary, The Most Harrowing Witch Trial In British History | The Pendle Witch Child | Real History uses harrowing, witch, trial as its central frame. Historical documentaries interpret surviving evidence rather than simply replaying the past. Watch how archives, archaeology, expert interpretation and first-hand records are used, and note where uncertainty or competing explanations remain.
What to consider before watching
- What evidence, testimony or observation does the film use to explain harrowing, witch, trial?
- Which people, institutions or historical conditions most influence the story told in The Most Harrowing Witch Trial In British History | The Pendle Witch Child | Real History?
- How does Real History's framing affect the documentary's emphasis, and which perspectives may deserve further research?
Topics covered in this documentary
Documentary details and original source
- Title
- The Most Harrowing Witch Trial In British History | The Pendle Witch Child | Real History
- Category
- History
- Runtime
- 60 minutes
- Language
- English
- Publisher
- Real History
Free Documentary Vault provides independent discovery, organization and editorial context. The film remains hosted by its original publisher, who controls availability and playback.






