My name’s Melissa Manners and I write books that give a voice to those women the world has left behind.
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My debut novel, The Pannell Witch, tells the true story of Mary Pannell, a herbalist accused of witchcraft in 16th century England.
The True Stories of the Witch Trials
From the formal accusation, to witness testimony, a physical examination and even torture, a convicted witch was finally executed by hanging or burning. Read their stories here.
History of Ledston Hall
Ledston Hall, grade II listed building in Yorkshire, was the birthplace of England’s only Baronetesse, Dame Mary Bolles. It was also the home of Sir William Witham and his son, both said to have been murdered by Mary Pannell, who was hanged and burned for witchcraft in 1603.
History of The English Witch Trials
Depictions of witchcraft in popular culture have led to modern preconceptions and misunderstandings, which this article aims to put to rest. The fear of the supernatural grew to unprecedented heights a few hundred years ago, culminating in the organised prosecution of witches all across the world.
Mary Pannell: The Pannell Witch of Yorkshire
Mary Pannell (also spelled Pannal, Panel, Pannel, Pennell), a widow in her 50s, was arrested for witchcraft in 1593. She was a maid to the Witham family, who claimed that she caused the death of 5-year-old William Witham and his father, also William Witham. However, her apparent execution did not take place until ten years later.
The True Stories of the Witch Trials
From the formal accusation, to witness testimony, a physical examination and even torture, a convicted witch was finally executed by hanging or burning. Read their stories here.
History of Ledston Hall
Ledston Hall, grade II listed building in Yorkshire, was the birthplace of England’s only Baronetesse, Dame Mary Bolles. It was also the home of Sir William Witham and his son, both said to have been murdered by Mary Pannell, who was hanged and burned for witchcraft in 1603.
History of The English Witch Trials
Depictions of witchcraft in popular culture have led to modern preconceptions and misunderstandings, which this article aims to put to rest. The fear of the supernatural grew to unprecedented heights a few hundred years ago, culminating in the organised prosecution of witches all across the world.
Mary Pannell: The Pannell Witch of Yorkshire
Mary Pannell (also spelled Pannal, Panel, Pannel, Pennell), a widow in her 50s, was arrested for witchcraft in 1593. She was a maid to the Witham family, who claimed that she caused the death of 5-year-old William Witham and his father, also William Witham. However, her apparent execution did not take place until ten years later.