Discover the extraordinary in the ordinary with Sophie’s Magic in the Mundane school sessions, inspiring primary school children in Pendle and across the UK to reimagine their world through storytelling, performance, poetry, and creative writing.
Sophie brings the legends of Pendle to life through her dynamic author sessions and creative writing workshops. With Magic in the Mundane, she invites students to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary, sparking their imaginations with tales of the Black Hound of Pendle, the Devil’s Footprints, Jinny Greenteeth, the fairies of Calf Hey Well, the Pendle Gateway and its mysterious possibilities, and the imprisoned boggart beneath the Written Stone. Sophie explores these captivating local legends with the students, encouraging them to delve into Pendle’s rich folklore and imagine their own magical worlds.. Alongside this captivating presentation, Sophie leads an immersive creative writing workshop, where children explore their storytelling skills, and an interactive reading of The Best-Kept Secret, complete with costumes for all, props, and a sprinkle of magic! Each visit offers a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience that inspires creativity and brings folklore to life.
'𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐬."
The Devil’s Footprints and The Devil’s Apronful
Pendle Hill is steeped in mystery, and its legends have fascinated people for centuries. Among the most captivating tales that Sophie shares during her author visits are those of the Devil’s Footprints and the Devil’s Apronful. These two sites, located just a short distance apart, are connected by a fiery legend of the Devil’s rage and mischief.
The Devil’s Footprints
The legend begins at Cragg’s Farm, near Sabden, where it’s said the Devil left his mark on the land. As the story goes, the Devil was striding over Pendle Hill and decided to rest on a large stone at Cragg’s Farm. When he did, his massive feet left behind two giant footprints, each about two and a half feet long. These footprints, said to be the Devil’s own, are still visible on the stone today.
The unusual positioning of the footprints only adds to the mystery. The left footprint appears on the right side of the stone, while the right footprint is on the left—an oddity that has sparked plenty of speculation. Some have suggested that the Devil must have crossed his legs when he landed, but during a school visit in Colne, the children came up with their own fun theory: perhaps the Devil was just a little clumsy and tripped over his own feet—or even his tail!
The Devil’s Apronful
A mile or so south of the Devil’s Footprints lies another part of the legend—the Devil’s Apronful. This spot marks where the Devil, in a fit of rage, dropped the stones he had been carrying in his apron. The story goes that the Devil was trying to destroy Clitheroe Castle, a few miles to the west, by throwing large stones at it. However, most of the rocks missed their target, causing the Devil to drop the rest of the stones across Pendle Hill, forming a pile known as the Devil’s Apronful.
The stones are still scattered across the hillside today, a reminder of the Devil’s failed attempt to destroy the castle and the frustration he left behind.
Boggarts Hideaways in Pendle Pendle is surrounded by lots of marshy, wetland areas that have shaped the land for many centuries. Just south of Pendle Hill, you'll find Barley Moss and Pendle Water—places with damp, boggy land. To the north, there's Trawden Brook, an area known for its wetland wildlife— but it's not just animals and birds you'll find in these soggy, boggy places; these marshy areas around Pendle are the perfect hiding place for... boggarts!
Boggarts are a central part of Pendle's folklore, often said to hide in old mills, farmhouses, and along dark woodland paths. They’re so deeply woven into the area's history that even places like Thursden carry their name. Children find it highly amusing that the name Thursden Valley literally means "Valley of the Goblins!" These mischievous spirits are infamous for causing trouble—moving objects, making strange noises, or leaping out from behind trees or bushes to give a fright! Some stories describe boggarts as shapeshifters, able to transform and confuse the locals. There are also darker tales, where boggarts are said to steal babies and replace them with their own kind—creatures known as 'changelings.'
The Written Stone, Longridge: A Boggart’s Prison
Across the landscape in Lancashire, there are ancient tales of shapeshifting boggarts, mischievous creatures who could transform into anything—dogs, trees, even a bale of hay! According to local folklore, these creatures were often trapped beneath large stones or the bases of old crosses to keep them from escaping and causing havoc.
On a recent visit to a school near Longridge, Sophie introduced the children to the legend of the Written Stone, a massive rock that has stood for centuries. Situated along an ancient Roman lane, helpfully named Written Stone Lane, the stone is easy to find—not just because of its memorable address but also its size. It sits near the entrance to Cottam House Farm, and the area itself is known as Boggarts Lane—just in case the name of the stone didn’t make things clear enough!
Carved into the stone is the inscription:
‘Ravffe Radcliffe Laid This Stone to Lye For Ever A.D. 1655’
The stone’s enduring message was clearly meant to last, ensuring that its story would be remembered for generations. But what makes the stone even more intriguing is the legend surrounding it. According to local folklore, for hundreds of years, the stone has served as a prison for a boggart. The creature was said to be responsible for strange noises and terrifying events in the area—so much so that it frightened several people to death. The idea behind trapping boggarts under heavy objects was to keep them from causing mischief in nearby villages. However, despite being trapped beneath the weighty stone, this particular boggart was rumored to escape still, using its shape-shifting abilities to create chaos in new forms.
The Legendary Black Hounds of Pendle.
During Sophie’s visits to schools in Pendle, she shares the spooky legends of the black dog, a mysterious creature that has been part of Lancashire’s folklore for centuries. The black dog is known by many names—Barguist, Grim, Gytrash, Padfoot, Shag, Skriker, Striker, and Trash—and is often described as a large, shadowy dog with glowing eyes and a frightening presence. In many stories, black dogs are seen as omens, appearing just before something bad happens. However, some tales describe the black dog as a guardian, protecting a person or a place. Other stories tell of the dog leading travelers off their path or frightening people. One of the most famous black dog legends in Lancashire is connected to the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612.
Sophie told the children how, during the trials, a young girl named Alizon Device was accused of witchcraft after a strange encounter with a pedlar. According to her story, Alizon asked a pedlar named John Law for some pins, but he refused to help her. Not long after, a black dog appeared before her. The dog spoke to Alizon, asking what it should do to the pedlar. Alizon, curious, replied, “What can you do to him?” The dog said it could make sure the pedlar couldn’t walk, and without hesitating, Alizon told the dog to go ahead. The pedlar later collapsed, and Alizon was convinced that the dog was to blame!
This strange story played a big part in the fear surrounding the Pendle Witch Trials. Sophie explained to the children that in those days, people believed witches had special powers, often thought to come from animals, called familiars.
Jinny Greenteeth: Lancashire’s Legendary Water Witch
The children are also introduced to Jinny Greenteeth, one of the most well-known characters in Lancashire folklore. Jinny is a mischievous freshwater spirit said to haunt the waters of ponds, marshes, rivers, and canals across Lancashire However, Jinny isn’t your typical fairy —she’s known for her green, mossy skin and her tendency to never, ever visit a dentist! Some stories paint her as a helpful spirit, watching over the waters and guiding lost travellers with her lantern. But in other tales, she’s far more eerie and spooky, luring people closer with false promises of hidden treasures. With a flash of green and a ripple in the water, she loves to surprise anyone who ventures too near. So, if you’re ever near Pendle’s waterways, keep a safe distance but keep an eye out for that glimmer of green—you may just catch a glimpse of Jinny Greenteeth herself!
Sophie tailors each session to the local area, using different bodies of water to bring the story of Jinny Greenteeth to life. For schools near Nelson, she highlights the eerie stretches of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, a perfect setting for Jinny’s mischievous ways. In schools closer to Black Moss Reservoir, the calm and mysterious waters surrounded by moorland set the scene for stories of hidden creatures lurking beneath the surface. And for schools near Pendle Water, Sophie brings in the quiet, secluded river, adding another layer of mystery to the tale.
Tailoring the Trials to Pendle’s Schools
At the start of Sophie’s author visits, students are introduced to the Pendle Witch Trials, with Elizabeth Demdike—a key character in Sophie’s book The Best-Kept Secret—setting the stage. In Magic in the Mundane, Sophie then expands on the local connections to the witch trials, tailoring the content to the specific area. For example, in schools near Colne, Sophie discusses Alice Nutter, one of the accused witches from the town. In schools near Trawden, she talks about James Device, a key figure who lived there. For schools near Newchurch-in-Pendle, Sophie focuses on Elizabeth Demdike, who lived in the area and played a significant role in the trials. In schools near Barley, Sophie shares the story of John and Jane Bulcock, another couple accused during the trials.
The Gateway to Pendle: Folly, Fairy Gateway or Alien Portal?
The session includes a visit to The Gateway to Pendle on the moors near Barley, a place of intrigue and magic. Could this simple archway be a fairy gateway or portal to another dimension? Sophie encourages the children to see the world around them differently, reminding them that the most magical stories are often hidden in plain sight.
Fairyfolk and Brownies in Briercliffe
Sophie ensures that every school author visit to Pendle is deeply rooted in the local community, focusing on places the children will recognise or are close to the school. Whether the school is in Colne, Nelson, Barnolswick, Brierfield or beyond, Sophie tailors her sessions to reflect the unique folklore, history, and myths of the area. In schools towards the south of Pendle, closer to Briercliffe, for example, Sophie shares the tale of the Fairies of Calf Hey Well.
Nestled in the peaceful landscape of Briercliffe, just beyond Roggerham Gate Inn, lies Calf Hey Well. The well was famed for its miraculous healing waters, said to cure disease. On holy days, a small market would spring up around the well, where locals would come to sell jugs of the sacred water, as well as food and religious trinkets. People from far and wide would travel to witness its wonder, eager to experience the magic of Calf Hey Well firsthand.
But what truly makes this well stand out in local legend is its connection to the fairy realm. The well wasn’t just a source of water; it was said to be a magical gateway where fairies frequently appeared. For generations, the fairies of Briercliffe were believed to visit the well, drawn to its sacred water. These mystical creatures, often described as mischievous but also wise, were said to appear to those who believed, offering their blessings or playful tricks.
Sadly, the magic of the well began to fade when it was redirected to serve as a water source for Burnley. The constant flow of water, once regarded as a gift from the fairies, was now channeled away, and with it, the fairy visits ceased. Local legend has it that after the upheaval, the fairies who had so often visited the well were never seen again.
Not far from Calf Hey Well is Brownside, a place whose name is thought to come from frequent sightings of Brownies—a type of fairy—who were known to inhabit the area. Brownies, typically small and kind-hearted, were believed to help with household chores, but they were also known to enjoy a bit of mischief. One particularly intriguing tale from the early 19th century tells of a local woman who, in the middle of the night, traveled to Burnley to fetch a doctor and came across a brownie, sat smoking a pipe by the side of a stream!
Why Choose Sophie’s Author Visits for Your School in Pendle?
Sophie’s author visits offer schools a unique and engaging way to connect children with local legends, folklore, creative writing, and storytelling. Designed for primary schools in Preston and beyond, Sophie’s school visits inspire young minds by showing them the magic hidden in everyday life, sparking their imagination and helping them craft their own stories. Her author visits, workshops, and storytelling activities align with key areas of the curriculum, including literacy, history, poetry, and local legends. However, Sophie's ultimate goal is to ignite a passion for reading, sparking children's imaginations and fostering a deep, lasting love for books that will stay with them throughout their lives.
We offer Pendle Primary Schools:
FREE school author visits for small or struggling schools
School author visits, half-day and full-day sessions starting at £175 for a two-hour author session, including an interactive reading of The Best-Kept Secret, Magic in the Mundane and an immersive creative writing workshop)
Virtual school author visits for £125
Suitable for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Primary School Children
For more information, including testimonials, photos, and pricing, click here
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