A Tale of Two Investigations: Most Haunted’s Original Pendle Hill ‘Live’ and the Return to Pendle Hill

Pendle Hill, Most Haunted

For many years, my contact with the paranormal was through the popular television programme 'Most Haunted'. Many people have suggested that the programme was a set-up and that it was all created and 'events happened' for ratings. However, having now conducted my own investigations with the DS Haunts team, and having read the book 'Scream Queen' by Yvette Fielding, I am looking at the programme with a different lens. This article focusses on the visits to Pendle Hill, the investigation that still causes the 'Most Haunted's Most Experienced' investigators.

Pendle Hill, situated in Lancashire, England, is famously tied to the dark and mysterious history of the Pendle witch trials of 1612. "Most Haunted," the popular paranormal investigation series, has explored this eerie location twice, each time offering unique insights and experiences. Let’s dive into the contrasts and analyses of these two significant episodes.

The area is infamous for its association with the Pendle witch trials of 1612. Twelve people from the area, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft, leading to one of the most famous witchcraft trials in English history. The accused were said to have been involved in various acts of sorcery and were ultimately tried at Lancaster Assizes, where ten were found guilty and executed. Pendle Hill remains a place of historical intrigue and paranormal interest, attracting numerous visitors and investigators each year. It is said that some of those living there still will only talk of the trials and events in hushed voices.

The Original Pendle Hill ‘Live’ Investigation

In 2004, "Most Haunted" aired a live Halloween special from Pendle Hill, a location synonymous with witchcraft and hauntings. This broadcast was a landmark event for the series, blending live broadcasting with real-time ghost hunting, which captivated a large audience. The team, led by Yvette Fielding, included notable members like Derek Acorah, David Wells, and historian Richard Felix.

The focus was on the Malkin Tower, home of one of the accused witches, and other historically significant sites around Pendle Hill. The investigation was marked by high tension, technical difficulties often attributed to supernatural interference, and dramatic moments of psychic phenomena. Derek Acorah’s possession by a spirit named “Elizabeth” was particularly notable, adding a layer of theatrical suspense. It is important at this point to state that Yvette Fielding has expressed strong feelings about Derek Acorah, calling him a "fake." Their professional relationship soured significantly after Acorah was caught faking a spiritual possession during a 2005 episode of "Most Haunted" at Bodmin Gaol. This incident involved a setup where Acorah claimed to be possessed by a fictitious character named Kreed Kafer, an anagram of "Derek Faker," orchestrated by the show's sceptic, Ciaran O'Keeffe. This led to his departure from the show and a bitter fallout between Acorah and Fielding. Fielding has since remained, unfortunately, sceptical of mediums, leading her to exclude them from the show entirely​ 

Viewers were engaged through interactive elements, such as online voting and live commentary, which made the episode an immersive experience. The mix of historical context, psychic readings, and live, unscripted moments created a riveting spectacle that set a high bar for future episodes.

Return to Pendle Hill: A Decade Later

Fast forward to 2023, "Most Haunted" returned to Pendle Hill, this time focusing on the Witch’s Cottage. This episode coincided with the release of Yvette Fielding's third book in the 'Ghost Hunter Chronicles' series, adding a narrative dimension to the investigation.

The team composition had changed, featuring familiar faces like Karl Beattie and new members like Glen Hunt. The approach to the investigation was more methodical and technologically advanced, using equipment such as EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) recorders, thermal imaging cameras, and motion sensors. This marked a shift from the earlier reliance on psychic readings to more evidence-based techniques.

The return episode was characterized by a sombre and reflective tone, as the team revisited the site with a deeper understanding of its history and previous encounters. The Witch’s Cottage investigation was thorough, and the team documented several unexplained occurrences, such as sudden temperature drops, mysterious noises, and captured apparitions.

While the original live broadcast thrived on immediacy and viewer interaction, the return episode offered a polished and narrative-driven exploration. It provided a comprehensive look into the site’s history, integrating past findings with new evidence, thereby enriching the storytelling aspect of the series.

Contrasts and Analysis

Live vs. Recorded: The most apparent difference lies in the format. The original 2004 episode was a live broadcast, which introduced an element of unpredictability and viewer engagement through real-time interaction. In contrast, the 2023 episode was pre-recorded, allowing for careful editing and a more structured narrative.

Team Dynamics and Techniques: The original investigation heavily relied on psychic mediums like Derek Acorah, whose dramatic readings were a central feature. The return episode showcased a shift towards technological investigations, highlighting the evolution of ghost hunting methods over the years.

Historical Context and Reflection: The 2023 return provided a more in-depth historical context and reflection on the previous encounters. This added depth to the narrative, contrasting with the original’s focus on immediate, sensational phenomena.

Viewer Experience: The live episode’s interactive nature engaged viewers actively, making them feel part of the investigation. The return episode, while less interactive, offered a more cohesive and detailed exploration, appealing to viewers interested in a deeper understanding of the paranormal activities and the historical significance of Pendle Hill.

Conclusion

"Most Haunted’s" explorations of Pendle Hill, though separated by nearly two decades, collectively offer a fascinating look into the evolution of paranormal investigations. The original live episode was ground-breaking in its interactive, real-time approach, creating an unforgettable experience. The return to Pendle Hill brought advanced techniques and a narrative richness, reflecting the growth of the series and its methods. Together, these episodes underscore the enduring allure of Pendle Hill’s haunted history and the ever-evolving quest to uncover its secrets.