Actress Suranne Jones Explores Witch Trials in Thought-Provoking Documentary

Actress Suranne Jones is taking viewers on a captivating exploration of historical witch trials in her latest documentary series, Investigating Witch Trials. The Dr Foster star delves into the mysterious events surrounding the Pendle witches, with visits to Pendle, Lancashire, as well as Germany and Massachusetts in the USA, where the infamous Salem witch trials unfolded in the 1690s.

Hailing from Oldham, just a stone’s throw away from Pendle, Jones reveals her deep-rooted fascination with folklore, fairy tales, and the enigmatic figures of witches. She expresses her interest in the resurgence of witchcraft practices and the term ‘witch,’ aligning her investigations with insights from esteemed academic experts.

The Pendle witch trials, triggered by an incident where Alizon Demdike supposedly cursed a pedlar for denying her pins, serve as a focal point in Jones’ documentary journey. The unfolding chain of accusations and confessions led to a series of trials resulting in the execution of 10 individuals, including Demdike’s entire family, under the scrutiny of ambitious local magistrate Roger Nowell.

The documentary promises to shed light on the historical significance of these witch trials and their resonance in modern times, drawing parallels between past witch-hunts and contemporary societal issues. With the first episode set to air on Channel 4, audiences can expect a thought-provoking exploration of the persecution faced by women throughout history under the guise of witchcraft allegations.