Maddie Evans is stepping deeper into dark territory with Pendle 1612, a new British horror film that blends folklore, true-crime history, and contemporary docu-horror. Best known to many viewers for House of the Dragon, Evans will headline the feature alongside newcomer Ella Moss and Shetland actress Gemma Laurie in a story rooted in one of Britain’s most chilling historical episodes.
The project arrives at a time when audiences are increasingly drawn to elevated horror with a strong sense of place, and Pendle 1612 appears ready to deliver exactly that. Set against the haunting landscape of Lancashire’s Pendle Hill, the film takes inspiration from the Pendle Witch Trials, a notorious 17th-century case that still looms large in British cultural memory.
Pendle 1612 brings Britain’s witch-trial legacy into modern horror
Rather than retelling the events of 1612 directly, Pendle 1612 uses that history as the foundation for a modern story. The film follows three young women making a documentary about the disappearance of Amy’s older sister. Their search leads them into the remote terrain surrounding Pendle Hill, a place long associated with fear, superstition, and the execution of ten people convicted of witchcraft.
That approach gives the feature a fresh angle. By framing the story as a documentary investigation, the filmmakers can explore how old legends continue to haunt the present. The result is likely to resonate with fans of atmospheric horror, found-footage tension, and folklore-driven thrillers.
What we know about the cast
- Maddie Evans plays Amy, a central figure whose family connection drives the mystery.
- Ella Moss stars as Hannah, marking a notable breakout role.
- Gemma Laurie, known from Shetland, takes on the role of Meg.
The trio at the center of Pendle 1612 suggests a character-led horror story, with emotional stakes likely to matter just as much as the scares.
A docu-horror approach rooted in Lancashire history
Pendle 1612 is written and directed by Lancashire-born twin filmmakers Liam Bashford and Kyle Bashford. Their connection to the region appears to be one of the film’s strongest assets. According to the filmmakers, the Pendle Witches story has shaped their imagination since childhood, and they were less interested in making a period piece than in asking what traces of that terror might still linger today.
That creative decision is important. Audiences have seen many historical horror retellings, but a present-day investigation set in a location with genuine historical weight can feel more immediate and unsettling. Pendle Hill is not just a backdrop; it is part of the film’s identity, giving Pendle 1612 a grounded sense of authenticity.
Why Pendle Hill remains such a powerful setting
The Pendle Witch Trials remain one of the most infamous witchcraft prosecutions in English history. In 1612, ten people were hanged after being accused of witchcraft in Lancashire. The story has endured for centuries because it sits at the intersection of fear, religion, class tension, and local myth.
For horror filmmakers, that history offers rich material:
- Isolation and stark natural landscapes
- A real historical tragedy with lasting notoriety
- Folklore that still shapes the region’s identity
- A built-in atmosphere of mystery and unease
These elements could help Pendle 1612 stand out in the crowded supernatural horror market.
Filming on location could give Pendle 1612 a major edge
One of the most promising details is that Pendle 1612 will shoot on location in the heart of Pendle, with principal photography scheduled to begin at the end of September. For a horror film so dependent on mood, authenticity of place matters. Misty moorland, rugged terrain, and the isolation of Lancashire’s countryside could become as memorable as the cast itself.
The feature is produced by Eleven Eleven Pictures, and the production’s regional focus also reflects a broader trend in UK filmmaking: telling ambitious stories outside London and spotlighting underused creative hubs. Liam and Kyle Bashford, who began making films together as teenagers in Blackburn and later spent years working from Pinewood Studios, seem intent on proving that independent genre cinema can thrive in the North West.
The filmmakers behind the project
The Bashford twins bring both local knowledge and professional experience to Pendle 1612. Their previous credits include the short Waiting For Time, which starred BAFTA winner Ariyon Bakare. They are also executive producers on Una Notte, a short produced by Harris Dickinson’s Devisio Pictures.
That background suggests they understand both craft and industry positioning, a useful combination for an independent horror film aiming to break through.
Why horror fans should keep Pendle 1612 on their radar
There are several reasons Pendle 1612 is generating early interest:
- A recognizable lead in Maddie Evans, whose profile continues to rise.
- A true-history connection that gives the story instant intrigue.
- A docu-horror format that feels timely and immersive.
- Location shooting in one of Britain’s most storied landscapes.
- Regional filmmaking ambition that adds authenticity and creative identity.
British horror performs best when it leans into atmosphere, character, and a strong relationship between landscape and legend. On paper, Pendle 1612 has all three.
If the film successfully balances psychological dread with its historical undercurrents, it could appeal not only to horror fans but also to viewers interested in British folklore, supernatural mysteries, and female-led thrillers.
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Final thoughts on Pendle 1612
With Maddie Evans leading the cast, a haunting Lancashire setting, and filmmakers determined to reinterpret a notorious chapter of British history, Pendle 1612 has the ingredients of a compelling new genre entry. The film’s biggest strength may be its refusal to simply recreate the past; instead, it asks how history survives in landscape, memory, and fear.
For viewers who love atmospheric British horror, Pendle 1612 is shaping up to be one to watch. If it delivers on its premise, this could become a standout title in the next wave of UK horror cinema.
