WITCHCRAFT and religion will be explored in a new course to mark the 400th anniversary of the famous Pendle witch trials.

Lancashire County Council has put together the four week programme on the social history of the trials.

Interest in the history of the trials has led to the council’s free Lancashire Witch Trials — 400th Anniversary course at the Whalley Adult Centre, in Station Road next month, after one at Haslingden Library was over subscribed.

The Pendle Witch Trials are a key part of Lancashire’s history.

Alice Nutter was one of the famous Pendle Witches who was put on trial in 1612.

But there were 12 women accused of witchcraft living around Pendle Hill.

They were charged with murdering 10 people by witchcraft.

All but two were tried at Lancaster Assizes in trials that have become known as the Lancashire witch trials.

Using historical sources the course will cover the events in the county in the early part of the 17th century, leading to the trials in 1612.

The significance of witch-craft at the time and to King James I will be also explored through historical evidence.

Steve Hailstone, principal of Lancashire County Council’s adult learning service, said: “The Lancashire witch trials took place in Lancaster Castle.

“Among the countywide events to commemorate the trials, we are running a series of fascinating social history courses – some of them for free – exploring the darker side of the county’s past.

“The free introductory courses have proved to be very popular.

“In fact they were fully subscribed soon after we issued our course guide for the spring term, so I’d advise anyone wanting to come along to get in touch on 0845 600 1331 as soon as possible to be put on the waiting list.” The course is £40 and begins on February 20 at 6.30pm.