Pendle Witches

[mal48 62]

Much is been made on the BBC North west news about the discovery of a cat skeleton in a ruin at Pendle saying it is all part of the Pendle Witch legend. It was a custom on the island to put a dead cat under the hearth or built into the wall above the door for good luck and health of those in the house. This went on until fairly recently and would probably continue for the right person having a new house built.

It was only because of the propaganda of the church that these folk lore traditions have nearly died out.

I wonder if they vet people wanting a cat at the MSPCA asking them if they are building a new house.

[Minxie 20]

I'd heard of cat bones being found in the ruins of old Manx cottages too.

[Max Power 6,756]

I wondered what that smell was in Dandara houses?

[theman 0]

I worked on a old farm and found small bones in a lose bit of stone wall. The farm had witch balls on the gate pillars as well.

[Broadcaster 24]

I worked on a old farm and found small bones in a lose bit of stone wall. The farm had witch balls on the gate pillars as well.

 

Shouldthat not be Warlock's balls ??

[Freya Q 13]

Nice story.

Maybe you already ahve this but if not its quite a good read as a taster for Manx Folklore.

Its John Rhys: Manx Folklore and Superstitions.

http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/~stephen/chiollaghbooksfirstseries/CBPOD04S.pdf

[mal48 62]

Thank you for the link, I have not seen that one before.