The Pendle Witch Child

The Pendle Witch Child is an intriguing and captivating documentary film from 2011, featuring the award winning English poet, playwright and novelist, Simon Armitage. The Pendle Witch Child portrays an investigative undertaking by Armitage into the chilling witch trials that took place in the 17th Century in Lancashire. It uncovers an exceptional tale of fear, superstition, and scapegoating that led to the prosecution of twelve people, from the two rivaling families, accused of witchcraft and consequently, executed in 1612.

The Pendle Witch Child isn’t merely a page from a history book or a dry recounting of barely remembered events. Instead, Armitage brings this nearly 400-year-old story back to life, through the examination of documents, historical accounts, and creatively presented narrative elements. He re-establishes the tale of the twelve accused, and more importantly, the tale of one of these accused – a nine-year-old child, Jennet Device, who committed a chilling act of betrayal against her own family.

In a fascinating exploration of the Pendle Witch trials, Armitage not just narrates the history but invites the viewers to delve into the cultural and socio-political climate of the time. He carefully unearths the factors that led to such a rampant fear of witchcraft in early 17th Century England. It paints a picture of a society wracked by religious paranoia, superstition, and political pressures, offering a context for what happened in Pendle. He further explores King James I's obsession with prosecuting witchcraft, which inadvertently created an environment conducive for such a trial.

A significant feature of The Pendle Witch Child is that it presents the complex story from the unique perspective of the accused, their families, and the small community in which they lived. This in-depth exploration, by showcasing the impact on the individuals and their community, imbues the tale with a human touch and emotion that often get lost in broader historical narratives.

The core of the film lies in Simon’s portrayal of Jennet Device - a character so absorbing that her tale becomes the pivotal point of this documentary. A young and innocent child turned into the central witness in the trial, Jennet’s confessions led to the execution of her own family. Armitage unfurls the pathos of her narrative, revealing the power dynamics and manipulations involved. He even utilises his poetic prowess to empathetically paint Jennet’s emotional landscape, making the audiences sit back and question the concept of villainy and innocence.

While Armitage’s investigation and storytelling remain the soul of the documentary, it’s complemented by a visually compelling presentation scheme. The dark underbelly of 17th-century English conventionalism is vividly depicted through stunning period-style animations, interspersed with atmospheric reenactments and on-location interviews. These techniques work beautifully together in setting the somber and eerie mood demanded by the theme.

Helping accentuate the emotional stakes are the spine-chilling sound design and the carefully chosen original score that echo the foreboding mood. The interplay of visuals and sound further augment the overall brooding ambience. Yet, it does not strain for effect or resort to hyperbolic dramatism. The storytelling remains committed to facts, though it successfully encapsulates the grim fear prevailing at the time.

By lending his deep and nuanced interpretation to the events leading to the Pendle Witch Trials, Simon Armitage revives a haunting chapter of English History with The Pendle Witch Child. The documentary goes beyond just recounting a historical event. It delves into the psychology of fear and public hysteria, drawing attention to the vulnerability of certain sections in society, the manipulations possible in positions of power, and the price humanity often pays in the face of widespread panic. So, if you're in for a gripping and contemplative historical documentary, The Pendle Witch Child might just be your cup of tea.