The Pendle Witch Child (2011, 60 min)

Directed by Ros Ereira

This history documentary explores the prosecution of a group of accused witches in Lancashire in 1612. During the trials, the nine-year-old Jennet Device, the so-called ‘Pendle witch child’, denounced her mother as a witch and provided damning evidence against the other accused. Jennet would herself be accused of witchcraft later in life by a young boy who grew up hearing the tales of the local witches.

Narrated by English poet Simon Armitage, The Pendle Witch Child focuses on the history of words, and the physical and far-reaching consequences they have. The historical evidence of these witch trials is found largely in Thomas Potts’ pamphlet, The Wonderful Discovery of Witches in the County of Lancaster (1612), and Armitage examines this narrative within a broader framework of political and legal motivations in early modern England.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Charlotte-Rose Millar (IASH, UQ), Brendan Walsh (IASH, UQ) and Phil Almond (IASH, UQ) – with plenty of opportunity for Q&A with the audience.

Venue

Seminar Room, Level 4 Forgan Smith Tower (Building #1)
Room: 
402