Mary Pannal
Mary Pannal (died 1603) was an English herbalist and cunning woman who was accused of, and executed for, witchcraft in 1603.[1]
Mary Pannal | |
---|---|
Died | 1603 York or Castleford |
Nationality | English |
Known for | Executed for witchcraft |
Biography
Mary lived in Ledston, West Yorkshire where she had a reputation as a cunning woman or witch. She was accused of witchcraft following the death of a young child named William Witham in 1593 to whom she had administered a herbal mixture.[1][2] The location and method of her execution are unclear;[3] she was either hanged in York after her trial or burnt at the stake near Castleford.[1]
Legacy
The ghost of Mary Pannal is said to haunt the woods near Pannal Hill, near Castleford. The suggestion is that if someone sees her ghost, which will be leading a horse, then someone close to them will die.[1]
A play inspired by her biography, Maleficium! The Life, Trial, and Death of Mary Pannal, was written by Chris Gibson.[4]
References
- Johnson, Helen (31 October 2018). "The Yorkshire Witches: Mary Bateman, Mary Pannal and Mother Shipton". Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 19 July 2019.
- Hunter, Joseph (1848). Antiquarian notices of Lupset, the Heath, and Sharlston, in the County of York. By the author of the topography of Hallamshire and of South Yorkshire. p. 58.
- "Mary Panel". Allerton Bywater Online. Retrieved 20 July 2019.
- "Haunting tale of Ledston witch". Pontefract & Castleford Express. 25 September 2002. Retrieved 19 July 2019.