Patricia Crowther, known as UK’s oldest witch, dies aged 97
Wiccan high priestess’s 1970s BBC radio series is credited with helping to popularise modern witchcraft
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.”
