Pendle

Pendle is a historic and geographical area in the north of Lancashire, England. It centers on the Forest of Pendle and the hill known as Pendle Hill, within the boundaries of the Pendle borough. The area lies to the northwest of Burnley and includes towns such as Nelson and Colne, along with surrounding villages. The name Pendle is of uncertain origin but is generally linked to the landscape of hills and high ground in the area.

Pendle Hill is a prominent feature of the landscape, forming part of the Forest of Pendle, an area of moorland, heath and woodland. The countryside comprises farmland, woodlands, and reservoirs, with walking routes and public paths threading through the area. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal runs through the region, and the landscape is dissected by streams and small rivers. Walking routes such as the Pendle Way and the Pendle Witches Trail connect historic sites and viewpoints.

Pendle is best known for the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612, when a group of local residents from Pendle Forest and surrounding parishes were tried for witchcraft at Lancaster Assizes. The case attracted wide attention and remains one of the most enduring symbols of early 17th-century English witchcraft. The event is commemorated in local museums and at various sites connected with the area’s history.

Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford offers exhibits on local history and the witch trials, and the area attracts walkers, cyclists, and visitors interested in folklore. Administratively, Pendle forms a local government district in Lancashire known as Pendle Borough, with the council based in Nelson. The district includes several towns and villages and maintains an economy built on agriculture, tourism related to its history and countryside, and light industry in larger towns.