From Witches to Whodunnits!

Witches, ghosts, murderers, and mysterious goings-on — this corner of Lancashire has seen it all. Whether you’re a folklore fanatic, a true crime buff, or just here for the spooky vibes, this quiz will test your knowledge of the strange tales hiding in Colne’s cobbled streets and Pendle’s shadowy hills. Think you know your local legends? Let’s find out… if you dare.

 

1. PC Joseph Halstead was killed during a riot in 1840 by Chartist Richard Boothman. Why were the local people protesting?

2. During World War II, Colne became home to the so-called “Colne Strangler,” who attacked women by grabbing them around the throat. Why did no one see him approaching?

3. In 1789, a pregnant young woman was murdered by her lover in Laneshawbridge. He slit her throat and hid her body in an oak chest at Barnside Hall. What are the bricks of the house said to ooze since her death?

4. There was only one death in Colne during the Blitz of World War II. Who was it?

5. According to legend, masons began building a church at Church Clough, Colne, but the stones moved overnight to the town centre. Which church is said to have been built on the new site?

6. Alizon Device cursed a passing pedlar, triggering the infamous Pendle Witch Trials. Where was she walking to when she met him?

7. Colne Town Hall is a regular site for ghost hunts, with reports of screaming and bells ringing. In what year was it built?

8. Alice Nutter was among those hanged in the Pendle Witch Trials. Why was she considered unusual compared to the other accused?

9. Which ghostly figure is said to return to Wycollar Hall once a year?

10. In 2007, a baby’s skeleton was discovered in a house in Colne. What key piece of evidence helped police date the death to around 1970?
11. What is the name of the carving on St Mary’s Church in Newchurch-in-Pendle that is believed to protect villagers from witches

12. Edward Birtwistle was found dead in 1880 at the foot of the stairs in Trawden, apparently decomposed for days. What was the first name of his philanthropist brother?

13. Malkin Tower was once home to two of the Pendle witches, but its exact location has been lost. Which modern tower is believed to stand near the original site?

14. Which village is accused witch Alice Nutter said to haunt?

15. Jinny Greenteeth is a river demon said to lurk along Jinny Lane in Newchurch-in-Pendle. What was she believed to do to young children?

16. Witches were once thought to perform dark rituals atop Pendle Hill. What is the name for this kind of gathering?

17. Superstitions still surround boundary stones in Pendle. What is said to bring misfortune if done to these stones?

18. What nickname was Pendle witch Elizabeth Southerns known by?

19. A ghostly black dog is said to prowl around Wycollar. What is it believed to predict?

20. What mythical beings are said to live in the hollows and caves around Pendle Hill?

 

Click here for the answers.