Brewery Moorhouse’s has set up an e-petition calling for the 10 witches to be pardoned after being executed on August 20, 1612, following a trial at Lancaster Castle.

David Grant, managing director, said: “We have built successful brands themed on this fascinating legend.

“However, we too have become increasingly convinced that back in 1612 there was a travesty of justice.

“What seems to be beyond doubt is that the accused were condemned largely on the evidence of Jennet Device, a minor cajoled and manipulated by the investigating magistrate Roger Nowell.

“We believe that this travesty could still be corrected, for history’s sake, with an official pardon under today’s legal system and much stricter rules of competence and scrutiny.

“Now we are using social media to test public opinion in this 400th anniversary year. With enough support we will petition the Government for a pardon.”

The brewery’s campaign has been backed by historian Simon Entwistle who said: “Many believe that Nowell groomed this young girl in to creating evidence against her whole family. Jennet watched in horror as she witnessed the deaths of her mother, brother and sister. I welcome Moorhouse’s campaign.”

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