Blacko - Malkin Tower History

MalkinTowerFarm

This is (probably, although there is another contender) the former home of the Pendle Witches Old Mother Demdyke and her daughter Elizabeth Device and her children. Poor people demonised as witches by their “betters” who should have – and almost certainly did – know better. Their history is recounted in so many books (fact and fiction) that I won’t attempt to list them here.

The current building is not the one they lived in and (possibly) the remains of the original are in the wall behind the farm which this walk passes. Recently a small area has been found nearer the house which seems a far more likely to be the real building. Further investigation will take place during 2007 to see if there is any real evidence to support this.

The building at the eastern end however has an additional claim to fame. A one time occupant was John Towneley who emigrated to America and one of his family eventually became the aunt of George Washington – which brings the occasional American visitor to the area.

The houses are now Holiday Cottages:

http://www.malkintowerfarm.co.uk/

Surrounding the Farm are ancient drystone walls. These are unusual in that they have three layers of through stones very regularly placed. Apparently this is a French style of building and it is believed that they were built by prisoners from the Napoleonic wars housed in Clitheroe castle. There are, however, several other places in Pendle where similiar walls can be found - you may see some in other pictures on this site. 

 The section of drystone wall originally believed to be the only remaining part of Malkin Tower Farms

 The new discovery of possible remains

 One of the French built walls near Malkin Tower Farm.