Patricia Crowther, recognised as the UK's oldest witch, has died at the age of 97. A prominent figure in the Wiccan community, Crowther was celebrated as a "high priestess" and played a significant role in bringing the subject of witchcraft into the public eye during the 1970s.

She co-created the BBC Radio Sheffield series, A Spell of Witchcraft, which introduced listeners to modern witchcraft and its historical context. Throughout the programme, Crowther shared insights and practices from the Wiccan community, helping to demystify the beliefs and rituals associated with witchcraft.

Before her journey into the occult, Crowther had a career as a professional entertainer. In a 1990s interview, she recounted a ritual her husband participated in, known as "operation cone of power," aimed at preventing a potential invasion of Britain during World War II. She described the ritual, stating, "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,’ repeated over and over and raising the power through the dance."

Historians have noted that two key factors contributed to Hitler's decision not to invade Britain: the Battle of Britain and his eventual choice to focus on invading Russia instead.

Crowther's passing was reported by the pagan news publisher Wild Hunt, which highlighted her legacy as a high priestess, author, and teacher. The outlet remarked, "Patricia Crowther leaves a profound legacy." Her contributions to the understanding of witchcraft and her role in the Wiccan community will be remembered by many.