A SINISTER chapter in Pocklington's history is to be re-opened as residents of the normally peaceful market town prepare to begin a fresh round of witch-hunts.

While often celebrated as the caring community which inspired a young William Wilberforce to begin his campaign against slave traders, Pocklington has long concealed a murkier past.

For, in 1630, unable to contain themselves any longer, an angry mob of townsfolk took the law into their own hands and burned a woman at the stake - widely believed to have been the last ever witch burning in England.

Now, as Pocklington's Dramatic Society prepare to stage a production of Arthur Miller's allegoric tale of 17th century witch-hunts, The Crucible, the town's shameful secret has come to light.

In "ordinary" circumstances in 17th century Britain, witches put to death were normally hanged rather than put to the torch.

But in Pocklington, incensed by the activities of one Old Wife Green, the uncontrollable mob hauled their victim into the market place and burned her to death before they could be restrained.

Other parish records also reveal the unforgiving nature of the East Riding townsfolk. Although no more burnings took place, 1642 saw the market place execution of suspected witch Petronel Haxley, wife of the local blacksmith.

And one year later the infamous Isabella of Pocklington and her husband were executed in York in 1649, convicted of having crucified Isabella's mother as an act of devil worship.

"We didn't realise the link with Pocklington's past when we began working on the play," said director and producer Janet Farmer.

"But it does add an extra dimension to the drama."

The connection was pointed out to Janet by one of her own actors - Town Council clerk Martin Layton. Mr Layton, who is joined in the 22-strong cast by Mayor Norma Jennings, plays a cantankerous 83-year-old who is pressed to death under a pile of rocks. And, adds Mrs Farmer, the play - which originally drew parallels with anti-Communist witch-hunts in 1950s McCarthy-era America, still carries a potent message today.

"The Crucible is quite a departure from our normal performances, so it has been quite exciting.

"Especially as there are now modern resonances with war trials in Bosnia, the Orkney child abuse cases and the release of the Guildford Four and the Bridgwater Three."

* The Crucible plays for four nights from February 25 at Burnby Hall, Pocklington. Performances start at 7.40pm and tickets are available from Mrs Farmer on 01759 304375 and at W & C Forth stationers in the Market Place.

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