Patricia Crowther, known as the UK’s oldest witch, has died at the age of 97.
Crowther was a follower of the Wicca pagan religion, developed by Gerald Gardner, who in the 1950s took over a witchcraft museum on the Isle of Man and is credited with rescuing the practice from obscurity.
She was known as a “high priestess” and in the 1970s she and her husband, Arnold Crowther, co-created A Spell of Witchcraft, a BBC Radio Sheffield series that is credited with introducing modern witchcraft to a wider audience.
The radio programme explored the history and folklore of witchcraft and presented elements of a local coven’s activities and practices within the community.
Prior to becoming an occultist, Crowther was a professional entertainer and dancer woking in theatre. She also performed a puppet and magic show for children.
In an interview with the Guardian in the late 1990s, Crowther said her husband had taken part in “operation cone of power”, a ritual to stop Britain being invaded. “Hitler was expected on our shores at any time,” she said. “They did not throw white powder but worked in the New Forest, chanting: ‘You cannot cross the sea / Not able to come,’ repeated over and over and raising the power through the dance.
“Historians say there were only two things that stopped Hitler coming: one was the Battle of Britain and the other was that he changed his mind. He said: ‘We’ll go and invade Russia instead’ – or words to that effect.”
Crowther’s death was reported by the pagan news publisher Wild Hunt.
“As high priestess, author, and teacher, Patricia Crowther leaves a profound legacy,” the publication said. “Her work ensured that witchcraft remained vibrant, accessible, and present in modern times. Her memory will be a blessing to all who have been touched by her work in Wicca, and her spirit continues to live on in the covens and communities she inspired.”