In the Shadow of Pendle Hill: Growing up in Witch Country

Project Description

Pendle Hill holds a central position in the cultural imaginary of East Lancashire. Whilst contemporary understanding of the witch trials suggests misogyny, religious bigotry and working class repression, locally this cultural heritage is levied to attract tourists and engender community identity.

In the shadow of Pendle Hill, lies a series of deindustrialised towns with high rates of unemployment, child poverty and ethnic segregation. Many young women who grow up in sight of Pendle Hill live without recourse or resources to visit, therefore understand the landscape through cultural interpretation rather than direct experience. To what extent does engagement with this landscape inform local young women’s perceptions of emplacement and belonging? And how might this knowledge be used to improve the lives of children and young people in the area?

 

This research will bring together young women (aged 12- 15) from Pendle and Burnley in East Lancashire using creative methods to support youth-centred and participatory research

with a focus on impactful dissemination.

General eligibility criteria

Enthusiasm, independence, self-motivation, curiosity and the ability to communicate to a range of audiences are all distinctly advantageous qualities for a PhD. Applicants would normally be expected to hold a minimum of a UK Honours degree at 2:1 level or equivalent in a relevant degree course. However, applicants who have gained experience in relevant fields through non-traditional routes are strongly encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates, candidates who are in the first generation of their family to go to university, candidates who have been in care or who have been a young carer, and candidates from a low-income background.

Project specific criteria

The ideal candidate will have an interest in social and cultural geography, research with young people and creative methods.

Studentship funding

A tax-free stipend will be paid at the standard UKRI rate. This is a fully funded studentship of 3.5 years for UK/Home students.

Enquiries

Interested applicants are welcome to get in touch to learn more about the PhD project. Please contact Nadia von Benzon (n.r.vonbenzon@lancaster.ac.uk) for more information.

 

Dates

Deadline for applications: 24 March 2025

Provisional Interview Date: April-May 2025

Start Date: October 2025

TO APPLY PLEASE VISIT https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/graduate-school/phd/phd-opportunities/#in-the-shadow-of-pendle-hill-growing-up-in-witch-country-371066-6