The stories of Burnley and Pendle’s history, stretching from the famous Pendle Witch Trials to the area's industrial legacy, have been detailed in a new book.

Secret Burnley and Pendle was written by avid historian Margaret Brecknell and delves into her passion for local heritage, and aims to look beneath the surface of areas' most iconic events and landmarks.

Margaret delved into the region, where her father was born and her mother ran a butcher shop, and her knowledge of the landscape and its history shines through.

She aims to portray the extraordinary history of the former cotton-weaving capital of the world.

Working as a freelance writer, she has written similar books including Secret Skipton and Celebrating Southport detailing the Yorkshire and Merseyside towns, respectively.

Starting at the early settlements in the area, she follows by uncovering the legacy of the town's two great halls – Gawthorpe Hall and Towneley Hall, which played significant roles in the region’s past.

Known across the world, the Pendle Witch Trials are covered in detail and offer a glimpse into the background of what led to these extraordinary events.

It also explores lesser well-known tales, such as that of George Fox, whose vision for Pendle Hill in 1652 led to the foundation of the Quaker Movement.

In more recent times, the story of Wallace Hartley – the bandleader on RMS Titanic is explored in detail and how Nelson became known as ‘Little Moscow’.

Sport, a subject close to Margaret’s heart is also covered and the illustrious history of the area's football clubs.

Accompanied by 100 illustrations it hopes to encapsulate readers' imaginations and bring the stories to life.

Margaret graduated from Manchester University with an honours degree in Latin and she worked in stockbroking for many years.

Her work appears in over thirty different publications both in the UK and abroad.

Secret Burnley and Pendle will be released on October 15, 2024, and cost £15.99.