Pendle Hill
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- For the Sydney suburb, see Pendle Hill, New South Wales
- For the Quaker Retreat Center in Pennsylvania, see Pendle Hill Quaker Center for Study and Contemplation
The naming of Pendle Hill is unusual in that it says the same thing in three different languages. In the thirteenth century it was mentioned as Pennul or Penhul, apparently from Cumbric pen and Old English hyll, both meaning "hill"; the meaning having become opaque, the modern English word Hill was again appended.
In geological terms, the hill consists of an ancient plateau of millstone grit, over softer shales, on an underlying limestone bed. The historic decomposition of sphagnum moss on the hill has led to it being covered in peat.
It is famous for its links to two events which took place in the 17th century: the Pendle Witches and the claimed visitation to George Fox, leading to the foundation of the Quaker movement. A Bronze Age burial site has been also discovered at the summit of the hill.
The most popular starting point for climbing the hill is the village of Barley to the east, which also provides the steepest ascent. Other nearby villages include Downham, Newchurch-in-Pendle and Sabden.
The Pendle Witches
The story of the Pendle Witches is the best known example of alleged witchcraft in English history. The hill continues to be associated with witchcraft, and every Hallowe'en large numbers of visitors climb it.
The Quakers and Pendle Hill
In 1652, George Fox claimed to have had a vision while on top of Pendle, during the early years of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). Today, the name Pendle remains strongly linked with the Quakers, giving its name to their centre of learning in the USA.
As we traveled, we came near a very great hill, called Pendle Hill, and I was moved of the Lord to go up to the top of it; which I did with difficulty, it was so very steep and high. When I was come to the top, I saw the sea bordering upon Lancashire. From the top of this hill the Lord let me see in what places he had a great people to be gathered.
George Fox - An Autobiography, [Chapter 6]
See also
External links
- [Ribble Valley Borough Council Tourist Information on Pendle Hill]
- [Walking Pages: Pendle]
- [A circuit of Pendle Hill from Downham]
- [A circuit of Pendle Hill from Barley]
- [Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty]
- Computer generated summit panorama [Pendle Hill] [index]
The Quakers & Pendle Hill links
- [Pendle Hill Quaker Centre for Study and Contemplation]
- [Pendle Hill Peace Network]
- [George Fox - An Autobiography]
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