Hey, I'm new to this forum and this site as I only found it yesterday but one of the things I'm interested in is Mary Pannel. I've been living in Australia for 5 years but I've lived most of my life in Swillington and "knocked" about around Kippax, Allerton bywater and that area for many years. The story really interests me but so far all I know is that she was executed in 1603 for witchcraft and more specifically for killing someone? Any additional information or help would be greatly appreciatted! Thanks
I thought I 'd added this to the Elmet Tour page ages ago - I have now!
Mary Pannel or Pannell was a maid at Ledston Hall towards the end of the 16th century. She, like many others, had a knowledge of 'old' medicines and prepared a lotion to be rubbed upon the chest of the young son of the house, one Master William Witham Esq. who was suffering from a chill. His mother mistakenly gave it to the lad to drink and poisoned him. She blamed Mary and accused her of being a witch. This was in May 1593. Mary was tried in 1603 at York and convicted. She was burned to death on the hill that bares her name that same year. Local tales tell that she haunts the hill and its Roman road leading a horse. Anyone who witnesses the apparition will have a death in the family soon after.
Thanks for that John, it's great to finally know the story behind something of a local legend! I might not feel quite so nervy next time I walk along that way now!
