When was the North Berwick trial?
1590-1597
What percentage of accused witches were women?
75%
What were the three main causes of the witch hunt in North Berwick?
1- Gilly Duncan’s confession
2- Scottish context
3- James VI and Denmark
How did James VI contribute to the initial fears of witches? (trip to Denmark)
-The storms preventing Anne of Denmark ( James’ new wife) from arriving in England were so dangerous they were believed to have been caused by witchcraft.
-James met with theologian Niels Hemmingsen who had written a book on witchcraft.
-It is believed that James witnessed the executions of the 12 women who were believed to have caused the storms.
How did the Scottish context contribute to the initial fears of witches?
-Scotland was a generally poor country, so many were more prepared to accept the notion that the devil could offer riches.
-The belief in fairies and folk magic was particularly strong in Scotland.
How did the Scottish Kirk intensify witch hunts?
-The Kirk was anti-Catholic and encouraged suspicion of rituals.
-The Kirk was determined to create a ‘godly state’ and decided that witchcraft urgently needed to be eradicated.
-Ministers of the church encouraged people to write accusations against their neighbours.
How did the weakness of the central government intensify the witch hunts?
It allowed members of the local gentry and fanatics to gain immense power.
How did Gilly Duncan’s confession contribute to the initial fears of witches?
-Her employer suspected her of using witchcraft to cure sick people, and was suspicious of her leaving at night.
-He tortured her using pilliwinks, thrawing and then searched for a witches mark to get her to confess.
-In her confession, she named other witches, such as Agnes Sampson, which created the fear of an underground sect of witches.
Who did Gilly Duncan name in her confession?
-Agnes Sampson
-Agnes Tompson
-Dr Fian/ John Cunningham
-Effie McCaylan
-Barbra Napier
Who was Agnes Sampson?
An elderly woman with the reputation of a midwife and cunning woman.
What did Agnes Sampson confess to?
-Attending a witches sabbat of 90 witches.
-Plotting with the devil about causing the death of the king by raising a storm.
Who was John Fian?
A schoolmaster.
What happened during/after John Fian’s confession?
-He initially refused to confess, after being tortured he gave a full confession in front of King James
-He was then able to escape prison and so withdrew his confession
-Once recapture, he was tortured again where he did not confess
-James still decided to execute him in January 1591 despite the lack of a confession.
What were the ways in which James VI played a central role in the trials?
-Took a lead role in interrogating and prosecuting suspects.
-Approved the torture of suspects, ensuring it was frequent.
-Advised legal authorities on methods of interrogation.
-Prompted the notion that witches were worshipping the devil.
-He was the target of the storms that the witches confessed to causing.
What are the explanations and reasons for James’ involvement in the trials?
-He believed that witches were conspiring against him due to Sampson’s confession.
-He was a young an inexperienced monarch, extremely aware that plots and conspiracies against him could come from anywhere.
-Launching a witch hunt would show tot he Kirk he was committed to removing ‘servants of the devil’ (witches)
-It provided an opportunity to promote himself as a godly protestant, especially to England (hoping of becoming next King).
-Provides opportunity to remove political rivals (Earl of Bothwell).
Who was the Earl of Bothwell?
Francis Stewart, an important member of the Scottish aristocracy. He was a trusted advisor to James and was a military commander.
How was Bothwell linked to the trials?
He had been named in Fian and Sampson’s confessions, with Sampson claiming Bothwell has asked her to define how long James would live.
Why might James have tried to have Bothwell executed in the trials?
James saw him as a rival to the throne as he became involved in plots against and openly criticised him.
In 1589, Bothwell was accused of treason for being part of a group who were believed to be conspiring against the king.
How did the trials change from Gilly Duncan’s confession to Bothwell’s trial?
Duncan was accused of acting alone, and targeted for her healing abilities.
Bothwell was accused for political reasons, James wanted rid of him.
This marks the change from a local to national trial an the inclusion of higher social orders. Also highlights the chain rection of people accused.
How many people in total were implicated in the trials, 1590-1593?
70
+Not all were arrested and it is unclear how many were arrested or put to trial.
Who were the two higher class women accused of witchcraft?
Effie McCalyan
Barbra Napier
Who was Effie McCalyan and why was she accused of witchcraft?
A wealthy, married woman.
+She had no male heirs and the attempts to marry her three daughters into the elite created conflicts.
It is believed she was accused of witchcraft by her family so they could seize her estates, as she had been to court before to protect them.
When was Effie McCalyan executed?
June 1591.
+She had attempted to feign pregnancy, which postponed her execution by a week.
Who was Barbra Napier and why was she accused of witchcraft?
A high status married woman.
She consulted Agnes Sampson for charms to protect her husband and children.
+She lacked high-level support when she was accused due to becoming unemployed so sought support from the Earl of Bothwell.
She was accused of witchcraft, treason and consulting with witches.
