THE UK’s “oldest witch” who shot to fame on a hit BBC radio show has left a huge six-figure sum in her will.
Patricia Crowther, considered to be one of the leading figures of modern witchcraft, tragically died aged 97 on September 24 last year.
In 1971, Patricia became a household name when she created the radio show A Spell of Witchcraft.
She and her then-husband Arnold Crowther wrote and presented the BBC Radio Sheffield programme.
It has now been revealed the spiritualist left a £322,000 fortune in her will.
The majority of her estate was passed down to Ian Lilleyman, who she handfasted – the Wiccan version of a wedding – in 1981.
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Patricia also set aside several gifts of cash and jewellery to be passed down to her friends.
And, a collection of signed and first edition books by the famous occultist Aleister Crowley were notable items in her possession.
Patricia’s death was reported by The Wild Hunt, who confirmed the “High Priestess in Gardnerian Wicca had crossed the veil”.
An article read: “As high priestess, author, and teacher, Patricia Crowther leaves a profound legacy.
“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.
“Her spirit continues to live on in the covens and communities she inspired.”
The radio series A Spell of Witchcraft has often been credited with introducing modern witchcraft to a wider audience.
Patricia and her then husband had also previously founded the Sheffield Coven, where they were known as the High Priestess and High Priest.
Patricia, known in her craft as Thelema, spread modern-day witchcraft teachings through a number of books.
In 1965, she and Arnold co-wrote The Witches Speak, before she went on to write Lid off the Cauldron: A Handbook for Witches.
Her other works included One Witch’s World, Witch Blood and Covensense.
The publications documented the “reality of Witchcraft” and offered guidance to those who practised it.
Patricia was a devout follower of the Wicca pagan religion, which was originally developed by Gerald Gardner.
Prior to her influential work in witchcraft, she was a professional entertainer and dancer.
The former theatre worker also performed puppet and magic shows for children.
In the 90s, Patricia told The Guardian that her late husband had prevented Hitler invading Britain thanks to a ritual.
She said: “Hitler was expected on our shores at any time.
“They did not throw white powder but worked in the New Forest, chanting ‘You cannot cross the sea/ Not able to come’.
“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.”
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