In the medieval period it was believed that witches could change their form into other animals. This could be a cat or a doe. Witches familiars could also appear as animals. A familiar was a supernatural being that assisted a witch. The area around Hapton was once one of the largest deer parks in Lancashire.
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Bearnshaw Tower
Bearnshaw tower was a small Fortified house situated above the steep sided valley of Cliviger, near Burnley. Here lived a beautiful Heiress named Lady Sybil who possessed great wealth and beauty. However she also coveted the supernatural powers of the Pendle witches.
Lady Sybil sells her soul to the Devil.
Seeking to gain a witches powers Lady Sybil sold her soul to the Devil with her blood. Time passed and Lord William, of the nearby Hapton Tower, had noticed the beauty of Lady Sybil and sought her hand in marriage. However he was rebuffed. Undaunted, he too obtained supernatural assistance. This took the form of Lancashire’s most famous witch, Mother Helston.
Many spells and incantations followed until Mother Helston informed Lord William that he should go hunting on All Hallows Eve. Whereupon he would meet with success with Lady Sybil.
The day arrived and Lord William set out with enthusiasm. On approaching Eagle Crag William noticed a milk white doe. He gave chase along with his hounds. Many miles of moorland were traversed until capture seemed imminent. Unfortunately, Lord Williams horse stumbled and the doe escaped. At this point a strange hound appeared.
The Hell Hound of Mother Helston
The hound had been sent by Mother Helston to catch the doe. Dutifully the beast bounded after the doe and grabbed it by the throat. William tied a silken leash to the neck of the frightened animal and led it back to Hapton tower.
Earthquake and a surprise.
Consequently, the doe was kept at Hapton tower, however on a stormy and windy night an earthquake occurred. As a result, the doe changed form, back into Lady Sybil. Lord William was delighted and they eventually married. However, unfortunately, Lady Sybil could not resist using her witches powers.
The white cat and the mill
One night she set out in the form of a white cat. Eventually she entered Cliviger Mill. Here fat juicy mice awaited. however she was spotted by the miller’s manservant Robin. Suspecting she was a Witch he grabbed her and cut off her paw.
The next morning Lady Sybil lay in bed clutching her arm and bloody stump. Later Robin appeared from the mill carrying Lady Sybil’s hand. Supernatural powers were used in secret to reattach her hand, however a red ring always remained around her wrist.
The couple had many happy years together, however on approaching death, Lord William used his links with the witches to cancel Lady Sybil’s Devil’s bond. She died peacefully, and Bearnshaw Tower has been abandoned ever since.
On All Hallows Eve it is said that a milk white doe and a spectral hound can still be seen near Eagle Crag.
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As you can tell from the odd typo, this is written by a Hooman.
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