A RECENTLY discovered 17th century cottage which was linked to an infamous meeting place of the Pendle Witches, has been ‘re-buried’ after souvenir hunters prised away parts of the ruin.

In November, engineers working close to Lower Black Moss reservoir, near Barley, on behalf of United Utilities, came across a mound and began to probe further.

Underneath the earthworks were the remains of a 17th-Century cottage.

Speculation began that the site was Malkin Tower, the dwelling where Elizabeth Device held a witches’ gathering on Good Friday in 1612.

The find was described by archaeologists as East Lancashire’s ‘little Pompei’ due to its well-preserved state and historical significance.

However, bosses at the water firm have now decided to return the ruin to its previous state, buried under earth, after the elements and memento seekers threatened its integrity.

A United Utilities spokesman said: “Since the ruin was uncovered, it has suffered considerably, due to winter weather which has loosened mortar and stones, and also due to souvenir hunters who have taken away parts of the ruin.

“The archaeologists have documented the building and produced their report, concluding that it was most likely weavers rather than witches who lived there.

“On their advice it has been re-covered which will help to preserve it."

Archaeologists confirmed that the property dates back to the 1600s.

Hidden within the walls, possibly to ward off evil spirits, were the remains of mummified cat.

The dig also unearthed a 19th Century kitchen range, Victorian crockery, a tin bath and a bedstead.