The information on the website is based on original documents and reference books.
The minutes of the Calder kirk session and Linlithgow Presbytery are available to read on Scotland’s People website. Scotland’s People also has baptism and marriage records going back to the 17th century.
The full text of the Record of the Privy Council of Scotland (RPC) has been digitised and is freely available online.
Many books cite other documents and discuss and describe the history of witchcraft in Scotland during the early modern period.
A full list of the references and sources used is given at the end of this page.
The research undertaken for the Calder Witch Hunt project is presented in this detailed timeline of events.
Detailed timeline of events
1618, Calder kirk session minutes
In 1643 Agnes Bischope was the first person to be accused of witchcraft at Calder. There is an earlier record of an argument between Agnes and one of her neighbours.
Becaus off ane variante betuix David Jack his wyff in dedrig callit agnes bishop and James aikman in dedrig thar then war called befor the seassonn and ar ordaint to find caution for the wrang done be ather to uthers In calling off uther persons theiff witches and sik uther vyle names to the great dishonour off god and sklander off his kirk The said agnes bishop being fund in the wrang was ordained to pay ten pund to the use off the pure and In tym to turn Ilk partie to fine uther cautionn for Indempenty And all being present the said David Jack becom caution for his wiff and Jhone wryoht becom caution for James Aikman
Show modern translation
As a result of a dispute between David Jack, his wife in Dedridge called Agnes Bishop, and James Aikman in Dedridge, they were then called before the session and are ordered to find surety for the wrong done to each other in calling other folk thief, witches and other such vile names to the great dishonour of God and slander of his kirk.
The said Agnes Bishop, being found in the wrong, was ordered to pay ten pounds for the use of the poor {to be given to poor people}. And each party were to find extra surety for compensation. All being present the said David Jack stood bail for his wife and John Wright stood bail for James Aikman.
The said Agnes Bishop, being found in the wrong, was ordered to pay ten pounds for the use of the poor {to be given to poor people}. And each party were to find extra surety for compensation. All being present the said David Jack stood bail for his wife and John Wright stood bail for James Aikman.
3rd September 1644, Calder kirk session minutes
Before anyone was formally accused of witchcraft Jeane Anderson was sanctioned by the kirk session for charming and warned she’d be presumed a witch if she did this again.
Being the sabboth day Jeane anderson maid publick satisffactioun in sack cloth for charming and the minister maid certifecation To hir yf evir sche sould be fynt To use charming herefter sche sould haldin ane witch
Show modern translation
Being the sabbath day Jeane Anderson made public penance in sackcloth for charming, and the minister assured her that if she was ever found to be using charming hereafter, she would be considered a witch.
20th December 1643, Linlithgow presbytery minutes
The first mention of witchcraft accusations at Calder.
Agnes bischope delate be Mr Hew kennedie for ane comone charmer and ane witch condacensed hir upon many pointes Who being presentt denyit the samen Ordeines hir to be inditad presently and the said Mr Hew to produce his process then
Show modern translation
Agnes Bishop accused by Mr Hew Kennedie {the minister at Calder} of being a notorious charmer {someone who used charms} and a witch. He {Kennedie} presented much evidence against her, who {Agnes} being present denied the same. She is ordered to be charged without delay and the said Mr Hew to produce his evidence then.
9th January 1644, South Leith kirk session minutes
At South Leith parish Marioun Aitkin and Margaret Thomsone are suspected of witchcraft. Margaret Thomsone is accused at Calder later {August 1644}.
Ordained a comitte to be upo ye processe depending betwixt marione Aitkin and Margt Thomsone to try if yr were any kind of presumptio of witchcraft where with ye said marione persued ye said Margt
Show modern translation
{the session} ordered a committee to investigate links between Marion Aitkin and Margaret Thomsone, to find out whether there had been any witchcraft, where Marion pursued Margaret.
31st January 1644, Linlithgow presbytery minutes
Back at Linlithgow the case against Agnes Bischope moves forward.
The quilk day Mr Hew kennedie present the preces led and provin agains agnes bischope befoir the sessionn of calder anent chairming usert be hir many tymes and sundere maner of way and great appeirances of witchcraft and lyikwyse the witnesses usert befoir thame for proving thairof and desyerit the brethren to examinid and cognose thereupon and to supplicat the bordis of his majesties privie counsall To grant commissions to put hir to farder tryell and to ane assize and punischment of hir according to hir demerittes The brethrein having red and considered the said process and lyikwayes having of new examinitt the most pairt of the witnesses usert befoir the sessions of calder for proving thairof They affirmitt and stend be their ferder depositionnes and verifiet the saidis proces and finding thairby great presumptions agains the said agnes They do with all dewtie supplicatt The saidis lordis for grenting ane commissionn To the effect above approvit.
Show modern translation
On this day Mr Hew Kennedie presented the process that was led and proven against Agnes Bishop by the session of Calder {the charges} concern charming practised many times by her and by various methods and with great appearance of witchcraft; and likewise {Kennedie presented} the witnesses before them to prove it. He {Kennedie} wished the brethren to examine and reflect on the evidence and to petition the board of His Majesty's Privy Council to grant a commission to put her {Agnes} to further trial and an assize, and punish her according to her wrong doings.
The brethren having read and considered the said evidence and likewise having questioned once more most of the witnesses appearing on behalf of the session of Calder to prove it {Agnes guilt}, they {the witnesses} affirmed and stand by their testimony and verified the said evidence, and in this way, finding great presumptions against the said Agnes, with all duty they petition the said Lords {Privy Council} to grant a commission to the recommended above.
The brethren having read and considered the said evidence and likewise having questioned once more most of the witnesses appearing on behalf of the session of Calder to prove it {Agnes guilt}, they {the witnesses} affirmed and stand by their testimony and verified the said evidence, and in this way, finding great presumptions against the said Agnes, with all duty they petition the said Lords {Privy Council} to grant a commission to the recommended above.
11th February 1644, Calder kirk session minutes
The sessioun ordaint That agnes bischope now in the tolbuith of Lynlythgow quha being of befoir Delait To the session To be ane comone charmer was by the presbitrie of Lynlythgow ardaint To be keipit in ward till tryell for clearing of the samyne was ordaint be the session this day To be brought To calder and detained in ward for clearing and tryell To be visit theranent quilk was done according to the said ordinance and And the said agnes byschope efter dew tryell (and?) examinating was both by hir awin confessionne and Relevant probation sufficientlie cleirit To be ane charmer and ane hyinous and notorious witch and for the samyne be the ceivill judge was condemned execut according To the law
Show modern translation
The session ordered that Agnes Bishop, now in the Tolbooth of Linlithgow, previously charged by the session of being a common charmer {well known person who uses charms}, was by the presbytery of Linlithgow ordered to be kept under guard until her trial and verdict.
Today, {Agnes} was ordered by the session to be brought to Calder and detained under guard for the process and trial. This was done according to the order and the said Agnes Bishop after due trial and questioning was by both by her own confession and relevant proof sufficiently revealed to be a charmer and a heinous and notorious witch, and for this was condemned by the civil judge to be executed according to the law.
Today, {Agnes} was ordered by the session to be brought to Calder and detained under guard for the process and trial. This was done according to the order and the said Agnes Bishop after due trial and questioning was by both by her own confession and relevant proof sufficiently revealed to be a charmer and a heinous and notorious witch, and for this was condemned by the civil judge to be executed according to the law.
28th February 1644, Calder kirk session minutes
Agnes Byschope Being put in ward and being under ceinsur for charming and witchcraft The sessioun aggriet with Andrew ferguson for attending hir the space of aught dayis night and day and allowd To hir 2s in the day for bying of meit and drink to hir and aggriet with him for the said space ffor aught shillings ilk 24 houris for his meit and fie.
Show modern translation
Agnes Bishop, being placed under guard and under censure for charming and witchcraft, the session settled with Andrew Ferguson for attending to her for eight days, night and day. They allowed him two shillings a day to buy meat {food} and drink for her {Agnes} and paid him for the same duration at eight shillings each 24 hours for his own food and fee.
7th March 1644, South Leith kirk session minutes
The South Leith kirk session call for witnesses against Margaret Thomsone
Ordains to make intimatione upo ye nixt Lords day that if any persone haith any depositione to geive in against Margt Thomsone who is apprehended for a witch that yei come judicialie befor ye bailies and ministers in ye Tolbooth and yr depone
Show modern translation
Orders to make it known the next Lord’s day that if any person has information to give against Margaret Thomsone who is being held as a witch, that you come before the bailies and ministers in the Tolbooth and testify.
14th March 1644, South Leith kirk session minutes
The process against Margaret Thomsone moves forward.
Ordains everie elder and deacon in yr {their} several quarters to geive up ane certaine number of honest men who should watch with them ye {the} witches who for ye pnt {for the present} are in prison.
Ordains to mak a sackcloth for Margt Thomson ye witch
Ordains to send for ye man in Mussilburgh who tryes ye witches marks and John Brand was ordained to ryde for him.4
Ordains to mak a sackcloth for Margt Thomson ye witch
Ordains to send for ye man in Mussilburgh who tryes ye witches marks and John Brand was ordained to ryde for him.4
Show modern translation
Orders every elder and deacon in their own parts of the parish to provide a certain number of honest men who will watch over the witches who are in prison at present.
Orders a sackcloth to be made for Margret Thomson the witch
Orders to send for the man in Musselburgh who investigates the witches marks and John Brand was ordered to ride for him.
Orders a sackcloth to be made for Margret Thomson the witch
Orders to send for the man in Musselburgh who investigates the witches marks and John Brand was ordered to ride for him.
24th March 1644, South Leith kirk session minutes
Call for witnesses against Margaret {Marioun} Ramsay, who will later be searched for at Calder {June 1644}
…also that if any persons had any depositions of witchcraft against Margt Ramsay that they should come upon twixday nixt at 2 hours efter noone and yr depone before ye bailzies ministers and some of ye sessiene
Show modern translation
…also that if any persons have any evidence of witchcraft against Margaret Ramsay that they should come next Tuesday at 2pm and testify before the bailies, ministers and some of the kirk session.
28th March 1644, Calder kirk session minutes
Jeanne Anderson appears again before the kirk session for charming. They don’t follow through on their earlier {September 1643} threat to accuse her of witchcraft but she is banished from the parish.
The sessioun granted ane Testamoniell To Jeane andersone quilk sould carie and beir expreslie that she usit charming and befor hir remowall maid publick Repentance therefor
Show modern translation
The session granted a document to Jeane Anderson, which she should carry, and that would make it clear that she used charming and before her banishment {she} repented it in public.
4th April 1644, South Leith kirk session minutes
The session concludit that all those who are delatit be margt Ramsay of witchcraft should be aprehendit and put in prisone this day efter noone and be confronted with ye said Margt.
Show modern translation
The kirk session decided that all those who have been named by Margaret Ramsay as taking part in witchcraft should be apprehended and put in prison this afternoon to be confronted alongside Margaret.
27th June 1644, Calder kirk session minutes
The kirk session are called to search for Marion {Margaret} Ramsay who has escaped from Leith.
The sessoun ordaint the elderis in evry quarter To mak tryell search for ane womane callit marioun Ramsay quharis fled out of prassone in Leith and is suspect of witchcraft and if sche be found? in this paroche To bring hir To caller
Show modern translation
The session orders the elders in all parts to search for a woman called Marioun Ramsay who has escaped from prison in Leith and is suspected of witchcraft and if she is found in this parish, to bring her to Calder.
18th July, Calder kirk session minutes
The session orders the husband of Jonet Bruce, who is described as recently executed for witchcraft, to pay for the cost of her imprisonment and trial.
Also compeirit David aikmane spous To umquhill Jonet bruce wha was schortlie execut for witchcraft And there the said David aikmane voluntarlie of his awin accord gave and granted to the said sessioun the sowme of one hundreth merks money of and frome the first and Radiest of his and the said umquhile Jonet bruce their debtis guids and geir for defraying of the charges bestowit on hir the tyme of hir tryells and Imprisonement and assigned the said session thereto and gave power to thame To uplift the samen and persew therefor as accords of the law in signes taken whereof he subscibit hir present in judgement be taitching the pen of ane clek thereto
Show modern translation
David Aikmane also appeared, husband to the late Jonet Bruce who was recently executed for witchcraft. And there, the said David Aikmane, voluntarily of his own accord, gave and granted to the said session the sum of 100 merks from the first and most accessible of his and the late Jonet Bruce’s debts, possessions and property, to cover expenses spent on her at the time of her trial and imprisonment. He assigned the money to the said session and gave them the power to collect the same {debts and property} and pursue them in accordance with the law.
With his own mark he affirms below his presence in judgement by touching the pen of a clerk to it.
With his own mark he affirms below his presence in judgement by touching the pen of a clerk to it.
1st of August 1644, Lanark presbytery minutes
Witchcraft accusations at Calder lead to accusations against women at Carnwath.
The qlk day compears Kathereen Schaw, wha being suspected of witchcraft, and delated be some witches apprehended in Calder, is ordained to be comitted till she (be) further tried.
Compeirs likwayes Mergaret Reid, in that same parishe, suspect of witchcraft, and confessed she put a woman newlie delivered thrice throw a greene halspe for helping grinding of the bellie, and that she carried a sick child thrice about ane aikine post for curing of it; she is ordained to find cautione, under the paine of ane hundrethe pounds, to compeare when and whersoever she shall be called; and produced Robert Russell, her sonne, cautioner for her, under paine of forsaid penaltie.
Compeirs likwayes Mergaret Reid, in that same parishe, suspect of witchcraft, and confessed she put a woman newlie delivered thrice throw a greene halspe for helping grinding of the bellie, and that she carried a sick child thrice about ane aikine post for curing of it; she is ordained to find cautione, under the paine of ane hundrethe pounds, to compeare when and whersoever she shall be called; and produced Robert Russell, her sonne, cautioner for her, under paine of forsaid penaltie.
Show modern translation
The same day Katheren Shaw appeared who, being suspected of witchcraft and named by some witches apprehended at Calder, is ordered to be committed until she is further tried. Margaret Reid from the same parish {Carnwath} also appears suspected of witchcraft, and confessed she put a woman who was newly delivered {given birth} thrice through a ‘green halspe to help grinding of her belly’, and that she carried a sick child three time around an oak post to cure it. She is ordered to find caution {bail}, of one hundred {Scots} pounds, and appear when and wherever she shall be called; and {Margaret Reid} produced Robert Russell, her son, on her behalf under pain of the foresaid penalty.
22nd August 1644, Lanark presbytery minutes
Mr Robert Binnie reports, that Katheren Shaw doethe now confess many grosse points of witchcraft: that she had sundrie tymes conference with the devill, had renounced her baptisme for him, had received a mark from him; whereupon the said Katheren being called, compeared in face of presbytery, and having heard the forsaid particulars, with diverse others, read and recited to her, adheres to all, and shows the mark she had received from the devill.
The qlk day compears, likeways, Mergaret Reid, apprehended for suspition of witchcraft, and by legall probatione redd befor the sessione of Carnwathe, is found guilty of many mae devilishe crimes then was confessed befor, wherfor Mr James Douglas is appointit, in the name of the presbyterie, to represent to the Lords Counsell the processe both of Kathren Shaw and Mergaret Reid, and supplicate for a commissione to putt them to triall.
The qlk day compears, likeways, Mergaret Reid, apprehended for suspition of witchcraft, and by legall probatione redd befor the sessione of Carnwathe, is found guilty of many mae devilishe crimes then was confessed befor, wherfor Mr James Douglas is appointit, in the name of the presbyterie, to represent to the Lords Counsell the processe both of Kathren Shaw and Mergaret Reid, and supplicate for a commissione to putt them to triall.
Show modern translation
Mr Robert Binnie reports, that Katheren Shaw does now confess many acts of witchcraft: that she had many times held conference with the Devil, had renounced her baptism for him {the Devil}, had received a mark from him; whereupon Katheren was called and appeared in front of the presbytery (Lanark}, and having heard those details, and many others, {that were} read and recited to her, agreed to all and showed the mark she had received from the Devil.
The same day Margaret Reid also appeared, {she had been} apprehended on suspicion of witchcraft, and by legal probation read before the session at Carnwath, is found guilty of many more devilish crimes than were confessed to before.
Wherefore Mr James Douglas is appointed in the name of the presbytery, to present to the Lords Council {the Privy Council} the process {against} both Katheren Shaw and Margaret Reid, and request a commission to put them to trial.
The same day Margaret Reid also appeared, {she had been} apprehended on suspicion of witchcraft, and by legal probation read before the session at Carnwath, is found guilty of many more devilish crimes than were confessed to before.
Wherefore Mr James Douglas is appointed in the name of the presbytery, to present to the Lords Council {the Privy Council} the process {against} both Katheren Shaw and Margaret Reid, and request a commission to put them to trial.
Unknown date 1644, Record of the Privy Council of Scotland
Record of the trial of Katherin Shaw and Margaret Reid from Carnwath. Both are found guilty of witchcraft and sentenced to death. The record details their trial and the evidence presented against them.
Thair wes sent to Mr James Douglas, minister at Carnewath, and information from the minister of Calder declairing that ane Helene Stewart, who hes maid large confessiouns thair, had {delait} amongst the rest the foresaid Cateren Shaw to have bene present to hir knowledge at tahir solemne meitings with the devil, quherupoun the said Mr James gettis ordour to caus summond the said Katheren to the nixt meiting of the presbitrie.
The said Katren Shaw, compeiring befoir the presbitrie, at the first showis hirselff obstinate, bot being comitted in the tolbuith of Lanerk, eftir some few days conferance with the minister of Lanark and uther guid people, without ony tortour or hard useage, she maks cleir confessioun of many gross poyntis of witchcraft, some of the principall quhereof followis.
The said Katren Shaw, compeiring befoir the presbitrie, at the first showis hirselff obstinate, bot being comitted in the tolbuith of Lanerk, eftir some few days conferance with the minister of Lanark and uther guid people, without ony tortour or hard useage, she maks cleir confessioun of many gross poyntis of witchcraft, some of the principall quhereof followis.
Show modern translation
There was sent to Mr James Douglas, minister at Carnwath, information from the minister at Calder declaring that Helen Stewart, who has made great confessions there, had named among others the forementioned Katheren Shaw to have been present to her {Helen’s} knowledge at their solemn meetings with the Devil. Where upon Mr James {Douglas} was ordered to summon Katheren to the next meeting of the presbytery {Lanark}.
The said Katherin Shaw, appearing before the presbytery, was obstinate at first but after being sent to Lanark Tolbooth, after some few days spent with the minister of Lanark and other good people, without any torture or harsh treatment, she made clear confession of many gross acts of witchcraft, some of the principle of those follow {are written below}.
(For full text see RPC reference)
The said Katherin Shaw, appearing before the presbytery, was obstinate at first but after being sent to Lanark Tolbooth, after some few days spent with the minister of Lanark and other good people, without any torture or harsh treatment, she made clear confession of many gross acts of witchcraft, some of the principle of those follow {are written below}.
(For full text see RPC reference)
20th August 1644, Record of the Privy Council of Scotland
Margaret Thomsone appeals to the Privy Council about her treatment while being detained by the kirk session on suspicion of witchcraft.
Pleis your Lordships caus call the letters of complaint at the instance of Margret Thomsone, spous to Archibald Gray in Calder, aganes the Toutour of Calder, and minister thairat, and to caus thame produce the said Margret supplicant.
Item that your Lordshipis wauld interrogat the witnesses anent the crueltie usit aganes Margret be tormenting of hir in prisone as followis:
To wit, the said Margret hes beene keepit in prisone thir sextine oulkis, off the quhilk space scho wes compellit to stand on hir feit upoun ane stand only without removell to any place, haiffing ane goun of sackcloth upon hir naiked bodie the haill space of tuentie sex days togidder withour aine leive to sit or ly doun, and that scho wes ordain to be haldin walking all that space and men dailie and nichtlie attending upon her for that effect, quhairby scho, wanting sleip and rest, did sindrie tymes stumbil and fell doun to the ground, quhair sho did braik hir face and heid to the affuising of hir blood sindrie tymes, quhairby scho wes in perrill of hir lyf by dining out of hir braines by falling so oft.
Item, to interrogat James Sandilands, baillie of Calder, whither or not he did straik the supplicant with ane staff or not when scho fell for weirines to compel hir to stand up.
Item, to interrgat the minister whither or not he did straik the supplicant with his wand and because the same was not of great force he did straik hir with ane rung, and that at the last night when scho did stand with the goun of sackcloth.
And that the supplicant be confrontit with the pairties and witnesses to be interogat and examined as saidis.
Item that your Lordshipis wauld interrogat the witnesses anent the crueltie usit aganes Margret be tormenting of hir in prisone as followis:
To wit, the said Margret hes beene keepit in prisone thir sextine oulkis, off the quhilk space scho wes compellit to stand on hir feit upoun ane stand only without removell to any place, haiffing ane goun of sackcloth upon hir naiked bodie the haill space of tuentie sex days togidder withour aine leive to sit or ly doun, and that scho wes ordain to be haldin walking all that space and men dailie and nichtlie attending upon her for that effect, quhairby scho, wanting sleip and rest, did sindrie tymes stumbil and fell doun to the ground, quhair sho did braik hir face and heid to the affuising of hir blood sindrie tymes, quhairby scho wes in perrill of hir lyf by dining out of hir braines by falling so oft.
Item, to interrogat James Sandilands, baillie of Calder, whither or not he did straik the supplicant with ane staff or not when scho fell for weirines to compel hir to stand up.
Item, to interrgat the minister whither or not he did straik the supplicant with his wand and because the same was not of great force he did straik hir with ane rung, and that at the last night when scho did stand with the goun of sackcloth.
And that the supplicant be confrontit with the pairties and witnesses to be interogat and examined as saidis.
Show modern translation
May your Lordships see fit to summon the letters of grievance at the earnest pleading of Margret Thomson, wife of Archibald Gray in Calder, against the Tutor of Calder {Sir William Sandilands, Tutor of Torphichen} and the Minister of Calder, and for them to bring the said Margret, petitioner.
Further that your Lordships should question the witnesses about the cruelty used against Margret by torturing her in prison as follows:
To wit, the said Margret has been kept in prison for sixteen weeks, during which time she was compelled to stand on her feet in one position {perhaps on a stand} without moving at all, with only a sackcloth gown upon her naked body for the entire duration of twenty-six days altogether, with no permission to sit or lie down. And, that she was ordered to be kept awake all that time with men watching her night and day to do that. Because of this she, lacking sleep and rest, stumbled several times and fell to the ground where she broke her face and head several times so badly that she bled, and was in peril of her life by falling so often and ‘dinging’ out her brains.
Further, to question James Sandilands, bailie of Calder, whether or not he struck the petitioner {Margret} with a staff to force her to stand up when she fell through weariness.
Further, to question the minister {Kennedie} whether or not he struck the petitioner {Margret} with his switch and since this did not have much force then struck her with a cudgel. This on the last night when she was standing in a gown of sackcloth.
And that the petitioner {Margret} be brought face to face with the parties {Kennedie, the Tutor and Sandilands}, witnesses and those concerned to be questioned and investigated as stated.
Further that your Lordships should question the witnesses about the cruelty used against Margret by torturing her in prison as follows:
To wit, the said Margret has been kept in prison for sixteen weeks, during which time she was compelled to stand on her feet in one position {perhaps on a stand} without moving at all, with only a sackcloth gown upon her naked body for the entire duration of twenty-six days altogether, with no permission to sit or lie down. And, that she was ordered to be kept awake all that time with men watching her night and day to do that. Because of this she, lacking sleep and rest, stumbled several times and fell to the ground where she broke her face and head several times so badly that she bled, and was in peril of her life by falling so often and ‘dinging’ out her brains.
Further, to question James Sandilands, bailie of Calder, whether or not he struck the petitioner {Margret} with a staff to force her to stand up when she fell through weariness.
Further, to question the minister {Kennedie} whether or not he struck the petitioner {Margret} with his switch and since this did not have much force then struck her with a cudgel. This on the last night when she was standing in a gown of sackcloth.
And that the petitioner {Margret} be brought face to face with the parties {Kennedie, the Tutor and Sandilands}, witnesses and those concerned to be questioned and investigated as stated.
22nd September 1644, Calder kirk session minutes
Isobel Ewart appears before the Calder kirk session for ‘scolding and railing’ against them.
Issobell ewart spous To william dowglas of pumpherston Being teik this day for scalding and railing against the sessioun compeirt then and being posit thereupone sche said the minister had done many th? Behind soles bakes that he durst not doe befor their face this sche (said?) in presens of the sessioun sche denyis that sche said there was four hundreth merks gott in fra the wit? and that the sessioun levid thereupone sche denyis that she said the sessioun slerat upon uthers To call hir moyaner and? sche denyis all raling and scalding
The sessioun taik all To their probation and summond hir apud acta against the nixt sessioun day
The sessioun taik all To their probation and summond hir apud acta against the nixt sessioun day
Show modern translation
Isobel Ewart, wife of William Douglas of Pumpherston, being arrested this day for foul mouthing and abusing the session appeared there and, on being questioned about it, she said the minister had done many things behind folk’s backs that he dare not say to their face.
This she said in the presence of the session.
She denies that she said there was 400 merks collected from the witches and that the session lived on it.
She denies that she said the session urged others to call her a moyaner {witches’ go-between} and she denies all foul mouthing and abusing.
The session took everything as evidence and summoned her to attend the next session day.
This she said in the presence of the session.
She denies that she said there was 400 merks collected from the witches and that the session lived on it.
She denies that she said the session urged others to call her a moyaner {witches’ go-between} and she denies all foul mouthing and abusing.
The session took everything as evidence and summoned her to attend the next session day.
2nd October 1644, Record of the Privy Council of Scotland
Further proceeding from the appeal of Margaret Thomsone to the Privy Council.
Summons at the instance of Margaret Thomson, spouse to Archibald Gray in Calder Mure, narrating that on misinformation against her of being guilty of witchcraft “she was apprehended by order of the Tutor of Calder and minister there and putt and keeped in the vestrie of the kirk of Calder and cruellie tortured for the space of a quarter of a yeere”, though she is most innocent thereof, and a free subject not convicted of any crime; and craving to be put at liberty on caution to compear to her trial when cited. Charge is given to cite the said tutor and minister to compear before the Council and also for citing witnesses; dated at Edinburgh, 2nd October 1644, and signed Arch Primrose, Cler. S. Cons. On the back of the summons there are the depositions of the witnesses, as follows:
{Margin notes: Depositions anent the treatment of the said Margeraet in the kirk of Calder when confined there under suspicion of witchcraft}
“Harie Elphinston, being sworne, depons he come in severall tymes to the kirk and saw the supplicant standing with a sackcloth on her nixt to her bodie and nothing more on her; and this he saw two or three tymes and that he saw her fute brokin, and that the men that keeped her saw her fall; and that to his knowledge she stood there about 20 days.
“George Elphinston of Selnes {Selms}, sworne, depones he knowis nothing bot report of the keepers that they stood 26 dayes, and that he went in several tymes, at least 4 or 5 tymes in, and saw her with a sackcloth on her and no more, and her fute was hurt.
Gawin Vernor depons he walked {waked/awoke or kept awake} the supplicant one night, et in cetris conformis precedent; and that several tymes she desired to sleep and satt doune, bot they raised her up again.
James Aikman, sworne, depons he walked tuo nights but not when the other two witnesses walked, and that she had a haircloth on her naiked bodies, and that they keept her walkening.
James Sandilands, baillie, depons he walked her two nights and that she was in haircloth. Depons he knowis not how long she was kept that way bot he believes it wes above 14 days.
Richard Wallas depons the supplicant was kept 20 dayes, and that he walked one night and she had on a sek gowne.
John Wallas, he walked one night, and that she was kept standing in sackcloth about 20 days.
{Margin notes: Depositions anent the treatment of the said Margeraet in the kirk of Calder when confined there under suspicion of witchcraft}
“Harie Elphinston, being sworne, depons he come in severall tymes to the kirk and saw the supplicant standing with a sackcloth on her nixt to her bodie and nothing more on her; and this he saw two or three tymes and that he saw her fute brokin, and that the men that keeped her saw her fall; and that to his knowledge she stood there about 20 days.
“George Elphinston of Selnes {Selms}, sworne, depones he knowis nothing bot report of the keepers that they stood 26 dayes, and that he went in several tymes, at least 4 or 5 tymes in, and saw her with a sackcloth on her and no more, and her fute was hurt.
Gawin Vernor depons he walked {waked/awoke or kept awake} the supplicant one night, et in cetris conformis precedent; and that several tymes she desired to sleep and satt doune, bot they raised her up again.
James Aikman, sworne, depons he walked tuo nights but not when the other two witnesses walked, and that she had a haircloth on her naiked bodies, and that they keept her walkening.
James Sandilands, baillie, depons he walked her two nights and that she was in haircloth. Depons he knowis not how long she was kept that way bot he believes it wes above 14 days.
Richard Wallas depons the supplicant was kept 20 dayes, and that he walked one night and she had on a sek gowne.
John Wallas, he walked one night, and that she was kept standing in sackcloth about 20 days.
Show modern translation
Summons at the earnest pleading of Margret Thompson wife of Archibald Gray in Calder Muir, who states that she was arrested by the order of Tutor of Calder {William Sandilands} and the minister {Hew Kennedie} there and put and kept in the vestry of the kirk of Calder and cruelly tortured for a quarter of a year, though she is completely innocent of it and a free subject not convicted of any crime and desiring to be freed on caution to appear at her trial when called.
Charge is given to the said Tutor and minister to appear before the council on {date not stated} and also for citing witnesses; dated at Edinburgh, 2nd October, 1644, and signed Arch primrose Cler. S. Cons.
On the back of the summons there are the dispositions of the witnesses as follows:
Harry Elphinstone, being sworn in, testifies that he came into the kirk several times and saw the petitioner standing with a sackcloth on her next to her body and nothing else on her; and this he saw two or three times and that he saw her foot broken, and that the men that kept her saw her fall and that to his knowledge she stood there about 20 days.
George Elphinstone of Selms, sworn in, testifies that he knows nothing except what he was told by her keepers, that they stood 26 days and that he went in several times, at least four or five times, and saw a sackcloth upon her and nothing else, and that her foot was hurt.
Alexander Gowans, sworn in, testifies that he kept the supplicant awake one night and she had nothing on her but a sackcloth, and that they kept her awake.
Gavin Vernor testifies he kept the supplicant awake one night and so on as before and that several times she wanted to sleep and sat down, but they lifted her up again.
James Aikman, sworn in, testifies he kept her awake two nights but not when the other two witnesses did, and that she had a haircloth on her naked body, and that they kept her awake.
James Sandilands, bailie, testifies he kept her awake two nights and that she was in a haircloth. He testifies that he doesn't know how long she was kept like that but he believes it was more than a fortnight.
Richard Wallace testifies the petitioner was kept 20 days, and that he kept her awake one night and she had a sack gown on.
John Wallace kept her awake one night, and she was kept standing in sackcloth about 20 days.
Charge is given to the said Tutor and minister to appear before the council on {date not stated} and also for citing witnesses; dated at Edinburgh, 2nd October, 1644, and signed Arch primrose Cler. S. Cons.
On the back of the summons there are the dispositions of the witnesses as follows:
Harry Elphinstone, being sworn in, testifies that he came into the kirk several times and saw the petitioner standing with a sackcloth on her next to her body and nothing else on her; and this he saw two or three times and that he saw her foot broken, and that the men that kept her saw her fall and that to his knowledge she stood there about 20 days.
George Elphinstone of Selms, sworn in, testifies that he knows nothing except what he was told by her keepers, that they stood 26 days and that he went in several times, at least four or five times, and saw a sackcloth upon her and nothing else, and that her foot was hurt.
Alexander Gowans, sworn in, testifies that he kept the supplicant awake one night and she had nothing on her but a sackcloth, and that they kept her awake.
Gavin Vernor testifies he kept the supplicant awake one night and so on as before and that several times she wanted to sleep and sat down, but they lifted her up again.
James Aikman, sworn in, testifies he kept her awake two nights but not when the other two witnesses did, and that she had a haircloth on her naked body, and that they kept her awake.
James Sandilands, bailie, testifies he kept her awake two nights and that she was in a haircloth. He testifies that he doesn't know how long she was kept like that but he believes it was more than a fortnight.
Richard Wallace testifies the petitioner was kept 20 days, and that he kept her awake one night and she had a sack gown on.
John Wallace kept her awake one night, and she was kept standing in sackcloth about 20 days.
9th October 1644, Record of the Privy Council of Scotland
Note of delivery by Samuel Johnstoun, messenger, of a summons at the instance of Margret Thomson, spouse to Archibald Gray in Calder on 9th October, 1644, against William Sandilands, Tutor of Calder, and Mr Hew Kennedie, minister at Calder, both personally apprehended, to appear before the council on 23rd October; witnesses, Allan Tennant in Calder, Robert Bain there, and John Hamilton, servant to the messenger;
10th October 1644, South Leith kirk session minutes
Call for witnesses at South Leith against Lilias Barrie who was married to James Aikmane and mother of Marion Aikman.
Ordained to mak publik intimaone ye next Lords day that if yr be any persone who haith any dittay of witchcraft against Lilias Barrie who for ye pnt is in prisone that they come to ye tolbooth upo twesday before ye bailzies and ministers and some of ye Sessione and geive in ye same
Show modern translation
{the session} ordered a call to be made the next Lord’s day that if there is any person who has any story of witchcraft against Lilias Barrie, who for the present is in prison, that they come to the Tolbooth on Tuesday and tell this to the bailies, ministers and some of the session.
17th, 18th & 19th October 1644, Record of the Privy Council of Scotland
In relation to the appeal by Margret Thomson:
On the 17th, 18th and 19th October, against Harie Elphinstoun of Calderhall, George Elphinstoun of Selmes, Mr Alexander Kennewie, indweller at Linlithgow, Alexander Gowans in Nether Howdane {Howden}, James Aikmane in Cockrig {now Bankton}, James Sandilands of Murhousedykes {Loganlea aka Dykes}, bailie of Calder, Richard Wallas in Gawisyd {Gavieside}, John Wallas in Cleucheid, Gawin Vernor in Dodrig {Dedrideg}, and James Dowglas of Baddes {Baads}, all personally apprehended, as witnesses, to appear as above;
Witnesses, Mr George Hakket, servant to the said Harry Elphinstoun, Harry Pittkairne, cousin to the said George Elphinstoun; David Lyon and Thomas Clerkson, tenants to said George Elphinstoun; Arthur Phalupe and Gilbert Jeamesoun in Lynlythgow; Thomas Smyth in Clowinfursdyke {Clovenfordsyke}, John Aikman in Dressilrig {Dresselrig}, Hew Walker in Easter Muriston and William Weir, servant to the messenger.
On the 17th, 18th and 19th October, against Harie Elphinstoun of Calderhall, George Elphinstoun of Selmes, Mr Alexander Kennewie, indweller at Linlithgow, Alexander Gowans in Nether Howdane {Howden}, James Aikmane in Cockrig {now Bankton}, James Sandilands of Murhousedykes {Loganlea aka Dykes}, bailie of Calder, Richard Wallas in Gawisyd {Gavieside}, John Wallas in Cleucheid, Gawin Vernor in Dodrig {Dedrideg}, and James Dowglas of Baddes {Baads}, all personally apprehended, as witnesses, to appear as above;
Witnesses, Mr George Hakket, servant to the said Harry Elphinstoun, Harry Pittkairne, cousin to the said George Elphinstoun; David Lyon and Thomas Clerkson, tenants to said George Elphinstoun; Arthur Phalupe and Gilbert Jeamesoun in Lynlythgow; Thomas Smyth in Clowinfursdyke {Clovenfordsyke}, John Aikman in Dressilrig {Dresselrig}, Hew Walker in Easter Muriston and William Weir, servant to the messenger.
17th October 1644, Lanark presbytery minutes
The presbetrie appoints the moderator, Mr Robert Birnie, Mr John Weire, and Mr Alex. Livingstoune, to examine the personnes that ar apprehenditt for suspicione of witchcraft.
Show modern translation
The presbytery appoints the moderator, Mr Robert Birnie, Mr John Weire, and Mr Alex. Livingstoune, to examine the persons that have been apprehended on suspicion of witchcraft.
31st October 1644, Lanark presbytery minutes
Ordaines ane supplication to be subscribed, for obtaining and commission from the honourabill Lord of Counsell, for putting to tryell Margaret Watsone and Jeane Lachlane, in the parochin of Carnwath, and Mailie Wilsone, in the parochin of Lanark, being apprehended and accused for witchcraft.
Show modern translation
Orders a request for obtaining a commission from the honourable Lords of Council {the Privy Council} for putting to trial Margaret Watson and Jeane Lachlane, from Carnwath parish, and Mailie Wilson from Lanark parish, {who} have been apprehended and accused of witchcraft.
14th November 1644, Lanark presbytery minutes
It is reported that the supplication to the honorable Lords of the Counsell, for obtaining ane commission for putting the forenamed persons to tryell for witchcraft was hard, and the commission granted.
Show modern translation
It is reported that the supplication to the Privy Council for obtaining a commission to put the forenamed persons {Margaret Watson, Jeane Lachlane and Mailie Wilson} to trial for witchcraft was heard, and the commission granted.
17th November 1644, Calder kirk session minutes
The kirk session state their evidence against Margaret Thomsone as her appeal continues in Edinburgh.
James Flint Elder declairit That agnis bishop and marione gibsonne Both of them confessing and suffering witches, declairit to him that the said Margaret thomsonne had bein with them At severall of their meitingis
James Wallace Elder declairit, That agness vassie, Agnis bishop and Mareon gibsonne All thrie confessing and suffering witches, declairit to him that The said Margret thomsone had bein with them at several of their meitingis
Show modern translation
James Flint, {kirk} elder, testified that Agnes Bishop and Marion Gibson, both of them confessing and suffering witches, made it known to him that the said Margret Thomson had been with them at several of their {witches} meetings.
Jamis Wallace, {kirk} elder declared that Agnes Vassie, Agnes Bishop and Marion Gibson, all three confessing and suffering witches, declared to him that the said Margret Thomsone had been with them at several of their {witches} meetings.
Jamis Wallace, {kirk} elder declared that Agnes Vassie, Agnes Bishop and Marion Gibson, all three confessing and suffering witches, declared to him that the said Margret Thomsone had been with them at several of their {witches} meetings.
17th November 1644, Calder kirk session minutes
The kirk session state their evidence against Margaret Thomsone as her appeal continues in Edinburgh.
This day Margret Williamston In Ra declairit In presente of the sessioun Thatt about auchtein yeir is since or thereby she hawing ane kow seik The said Margret thomsone cam to hir and said the kow was forspokkin and giwe she wald bid hir for godis saik chairme the kow she sowld do it, Quilk the said margret Williamstone Did, and the said Margret thomsone hawing chairmt the kow, Immediatlie thereafter Margret Williamston fell seik
Show modern translation
This day Margaret Williamston in there {Williamston} declared in the presence of the session that about eighteen years ago when she had a sick cow the said Margret Thomsone came to her and said the cow was bewitched and if she would asked her for God’s sake to charm the cow she would do it. Margaret Williamston did this and then Margret Thomsone charmed the cow and straight afterwards Margaret Williamston fell sick.
17th November 1644, Calder kirk session minutes
The kirk session state their evidence against Margaret Thomsone as her appeal continues in Edinburgh.
Johne forrest declairit That abowt ane yeir since or thereby he being diseasit The said Margret thomsone coming in to him to his dwelling hous, said to him she hard tell what aillled him, for she had a sonne quha had the same disease, and that ane woman in the
town of Edinburgh had gewin hir ane drink to giwe him quilk she did thrie several morningis and then cutting his belt In nyne peacis and eardit it in thrie several places (?) Betwixt twa nobill menis landis, and at the Inlaying of everie ane of them said, God let the boy never tak that Disease again, wntill I tak the rop again and Bad me go to the woman and get the lyk drink and Do the lyk and it wald heall me,
town of Edinburgh had gewin hir ane drink to giwe him quilk she did thrie several morningis and then cutting his belt In nyne peacis and eardit it in thrie several places (?) Betwixt twa nobill menis landis, and at the Inlaying of everie ane of them said, God let the boy never tak that Disease again, wntill I tak the rop again and Bad me go to the woman and get the lyk drink and Do the lyk and it wald heall me,
Show modern translation
John Forrest declared that about a year or so ago he when had a disease the said Margret Thomsone came to his house and said she had heard tell what ailed him and that she had a son who had the same illness. A woman in the town of Edinburgh had given her a drink to give to him {her son} which she did on three mornings, and she then cut his belt in nine pieces and buried it in three separate places between the lands of two noblemen. At the burying of each piece Margret said ‘God let the boy never get the disease again until I take the belt up again’ and she told me {John Forrest} to go to the woman and get the same drink do the same again and it would heal me.
20th November 1644, Linlithgow presbytery minutes, noted in the Record of the Privy Council of Scotland
The minister of Calder and Tutor of Torphichen ask the presbytery at Linlithgow to keep Margaret Thomsone imprisoned against the judgement of the Privy Council.
‘At Linlithgow, the twentie day of November 1644. The quhilk day to the breithrin of the presbytyrie of Linlthgow being conveinit, report was maid to thame by Mr Hew Kennedie, minister of Calder, and the Tutor of Torphican, ruling elder their, that Margaret Thomsoun, being delaitt for ane witch be thrie or four confessing witches and tua several chairmening provine again shir, was incarcerat and is detained in prisoun, and that the Lords of the Secret Counsell has causit chairge thame to sie her sett at libertie, and thairfair humblie cravat the breithrins advyis quhat to do thairuntil. The breithrein thinks it most expedient that scho be keipit yit still in prison and that the said maters be represientit to the Comissioners of the General Assemblie and their advyis to be desyined quhat to do thairintill; and in the meantime does earnestlie supplicat the Lords of his majesties Privy Counsall to grant permission for extensioum of the said Margaret in prisoun until the comissionars adogis be obtenit thairintill. Extractit furth of the buikis of the said presbyterie be me (signed) A. Ker, cls.
Show modern translation
At Linlithgow 20th of November 1644, on which day the brethren of the presbytery of Linlithgow having convened, a report was made to them by Mr Hew Kennedie, minister of Calder, and the Tutor of Torphichen, governing elder here, that Margret Thomsone accused of being a witch by three or four confessed witches and by two separate charmings proven against her, was incarcerated and is detained in prison. And, that the Lords of the Privy Council have put pressure on them to set her free and {they} therefore humbly beg the brethren's advice what to do until then.
The brethren think it most fit and proper that she {Margret} still be kept in prison and that these matters should be communicated to the Commissioners of the General Assembly to ask their judgement so as to plan what to do until then. In the meantime they earnestly beg the Lords of His Majesty's Privy Council to grant permission for an extension of Margret’s stay in prison until the Commissioners’ judgement is obtained.
Extracted from the records of the said presbytery by me (signed) A. Ker, cls. {clerk to the Privy Council}
The brethren think it most fit and proper that she {Margret} still be kept in prison and that these matters should be communicated to the Commissioners of the General Assembly to ask their judgement so as to plan what to do until then. In the meantime they earnestly beg the Lords of His Majesty's Privy Council to grant permission for an extension of Margret’s stay in prison until the Commissioners’ judgement is obtained.
Extracted from the records of the said presbytery by me (signed) A. Ker, cls. {clerk to the Privy Council}
21st November 1644, Record of the Privy Council of Scotland
Further proceedings in Margaret Thomsone’s appeal to the Privy Council.
Complaint by Margret Thomson, spouse to Archibald Gray in Calder as follows: “About tuentie days since she convened the Tutor of calder and minister thereof before the Lords of Privie Counsell for their cruell dealing against her in waking in the space of tuentie days naiked and having nothing on her but a sackcloth’ and they were appointed to compear this day and produce such evidence as they had against her for the crime of witchcraft for which she is most unjustly challenged. Since then ‘she has been layed in the stocks and keeped in great miserie, seperat from all companie and worldlie comfort and can see no end to her miserie by (except) lawful tryell”. Charge having been given to the defenders to compear and undergo their punishment ‘for tormenting the compleanner without warrant’ and see her liberated, and the pursuer compearing by her husband, and the defenders also being present, the Lords, after hearing parties, ordain the pursuer to be put to liberty on finding caution to compear before the Justice on lawful citation, under the penalty of 500 merks.
Show modern translation
Statement of grievance by Margret Thomsone wife of Archibald Gray in Calder as follows:
‘About 20 days ago she summoned the Tutor of Calder and its minister before the Lords of the Privy Council for their cruel treatment of her in keeping her awake for 20 days naked except for a sackcloth’ and they were appointed to appear today and produce such evidence as they had against her for the crime of witchcraft, for which she is most unjustly challenged.
Since then ‘she has been put in the stocks and kept in great misery, away from all company and worldly comfort and can see no end to her misery except by lawful trial’. The defendants having been charged to appear and submit to their punishment ‘for torturing the plaintiff without authorisation’ and set her free.
With the plaintiff appearing alongside her husband, and the defendants {Kennedie and Sandilands} also being present, the Lords, after hearing {both} parties, ordered the plaintiff to be set free on bail to appear before the justice {if she is cited to do so}, under the penalty of 500 merks {if she does not}.
‘About 20 days ago she summoned the Tutor of Calder and its minister before the Lords of the Privy Council for their cruel treatment of her in keeping her awake for 20 days naked except for a sackcloth’ and they were appointed to appear today and produce such evidence as they had against her for the crime of witchcraft, for which she is most unjustly challenged.
Since then ‘she has been put in the stocks and kept in great misery, away from all company and worldly comfort and can see no end to her misery except by lawful trial’. The defendants having been charged to appear and submit to their punishment ‘for torturing the plaintiff without authorisation’ and set her free.
With the plaintiff appearing alongside her husband, and the defendants {Kennedie and Sandilands} also being present, the Lords, after hearing {both} parties, ordered the plaintiff to be set free on bail to appear before the justice {if she is cited to do so}, under the penalty of 500 merks {if she does not}.
28th November 1644, South Leith kirk session minutes
James Georg and his wife Marioun Aickman petition for her mother, Lilias Barrie, to be released having been imprisoned for 36 weeks. Birth and marriage records show that Lilias Barrie was married to James Aikmane and Marion was their daughter.
James Georg and Marione Aikman supplicat our sessione to suffier his wife yr moyr Lilia Barrie to com out of prisone who haith been incarcered yis sex and threttie weeks being suspict of witch craft and could not find any evident presumption qrupon ye sessione agreed yt shee should be let out upon sufficient cautione qlk ye bailies took upon yem to doe being requyrit for yat end.
Show modern translation
James George and Marion Aikman requested our session to allow his wife’s mother Lilias Barrie to be let out of prison where she has been incarcerated for thirty six weeks on suspicion of witchcraft without any evident decision. Whereupon the session agreed that she should be let out upon sufficient caution {bail} that the bailies decide.
4th December 1644, Linlithgow presbytery minutes
Sir William Douglas appears at the Presbytery on behalf of his wife Isobel Ewart who has been accused by the Calder kirk session {September 1644}.
Anent the preces used befoir the sessioun of Calder and appealled to the presbytrie agains Issobell ewart spous to williame douglas of pumferstoun for divers opprobrious and scandelous speiches spokin be hir agains the minister and elders of Calder and especiallie for tortoring of witches beattin thame with ronges of purpos to extort of thame the branding
of honest wemen in the paroche with witchcraft, and for putting of innecent wemen to death and especaillie Jonett bryce and that they have takin 400 merkis of hir money and that they wold not gett seik prayers everie day
Compeirit Pumferstoun and gave in ane supplication agains the sessioun of calder conteining ane answer to the saides preces Whereof Mr Hew kennedie desyerit ane copie to enswer thereto
of honest wemen in the paroche with witchcraft, and for putting of innecent wemen to death and especaillie Jonett bryce and that they have takin 400 merkis of hir money and that they wold not gett seik prayers everie day
Compeirit Pumferstoun and gave in ane supplication agains the sessioun of calder conteining ane answer to the saides preces Whereof Mr Hew kennedie desyerit ane copie to enswer thereto
Show modern translation
With respect to the customary process used before the session of Calder, and appealed to the Presbytery against Isobel Ewart, wife to William Douglas of Pumpherston, for several slanderous and scandalous speeches spoken by her against the minister and elders of Calder and especially as regards torturing witches, beating them with clubs with the purpose of extorting from them, the besmirching of honest women in the parish with the accusation of witchcraft, and for putting innocent women to death, especially Jonet Bryce {Bruce}, and that they have taken 400 merks of her money, and that they would not get prayers every day.
{Laird} Pumpherston appeared and gave a written petition against the session of Calder containing an answer to the said charges, which Mr. Hew Kennedie requested a copy of to {allow him} to answer.
{Laird} Pumpherston appeared and gave a written petition against the session of Calder containing an answer to the said charges, which Mr. Hew Kennedie requested a copy of to {allow him} to answer.
12th December 1644, Calder kirk session minutes
Records of money paid for services in relation to the witchcraft accusations.
This day compeirit Jone cranstoune and gawe in his commpts of Meitt and drink furnishit be him At the sessiouns derectioun To Certain witchis during their Imprissounment
Show modern translation
This day John Cranstoune appeared before the session and handed in his accounts for meat and drink provided by him, at the session’s orders, to certain witches during their imprisonment.
26th December 1644, Lanark presbytery minutes
Ordains Mr James Douglas to summond Mailie Patersone, Jonet Lockie, and Margaret Watson} in Carnwath, to compeare in the tolbuithe of Lanark, upon Teusday nixt, the last of December, to be confronted with Margaret Watson, witch, who hath delated them as guiltie of witchcraft, who is to suffer ane inquest that day for her confessed witchcraft.
Show modern translation
Orders Mr James Douglas {minister at Carnwath} to summon Mailie Paterson, Jonet Lockie, and Margaret Watson {Margaret Watson’s aunt} from Carnwath, to appear at the Tolbooth in Lanark next Tuesday, the last day of December, to be confronted with Margaret Watson, witch, who has named them as guilty of witchcraft and who is to be tried that day {31st December} for her confessed witchcraft.
31st December 1644, Record of the Privy Council of Scotland
Margaret Watson and Jean Lachlane are found guilty of witchcraft. There is a detailed account of their trial and the evidence against them. This excerpt refers to Helen Stewart from Calder and to Katherin Shaw from Carnwath.
Thow, Margaret Watsone, is indytit and accused for keeping meitings and being at the conventioun withe uther wiches, namelie at ane meiting of the wiches in the hie kirk of Lanark, at ane uther meiting withe wiches in the kirk of Carnewathe, and at ane uther meiting with wiches at Nivengseat and at Tormonquheill. To testifie the samin ane Helein Stewart, ane penitent wiche quha suffered laitlie death at Cader, told thow wes ane wiche and wes withe hir at meitings, as also umquhile Katherien Schaw, ane uther penitent wiche, did delait the to be ane wiche and that thow wes withe hir at the meitinges in the places forsaides. Of thir thou art guyltie and as ane notorious wiche thow aucht be punishcet to the deathe, and this thow cannot deny.
Mr James Douglas, minister at Carnewathe, witness, sworne and admittit, deponit be his great oath that he receavet ane letter fra Mr Hew Kennedie, minister at Cader, testifeing that Margaret Watsoun we sane wiche and keipit several meitinges, did not express hir name bot by circumstances declairit to hir to dwell in Carnewath.
…Thow, Jeane Lachlane, art indytitt and accuseit for ane notorious witch, as being delaittit be umquhile Kaithrein Schaw, ane penitent witch, who laitlie sufferit death at Lanark and quha befoir hir death did declair, upone haizard of hir salvatione at severall tymes and constantlie till death avowed thee to be guiltie of witchcraft and went thairwith to the fyre, affirmand the saemin to be of treuth.
Mr James Douglas, minister at Carnewathe, witness, sworne and admittit, deponit be his great oath that he receavet ane letter fra Mr Hew Kennedie, minister at Cader, testifeing that Margaret Watsoun we sane wiche and keipit several meitinges, did not express hir name bot by circumstances declairit to hir to dwell in Carnewath.
…Thow, Jeane Lachlane, art indytitt and accuseit for ane notorious witch, as being delaittit be umquhile Kaithrein Schaw, ane penitent witch, who laitlie sufferit death at Lanark and quha befoir hir death did declair, upone haizard of hir salvatione at severall tymes and constantlie till death avowed thee to be guiltie of witchcraft and went thairwith to the fyre, affirmand the saemin to be of treuth.
Show modern translation
You, Margaret Watson, are indicted and accused of keeping meetings and being at a convention with other witches. Namely at a meeting of witches in the high kirk of Lanark, and another meeting with witches in the kirk of Carnwath, and at another meeting with witches at Nivengseat {Levenseat} and Tormonquheill {Tormywheel}. As evidence of this Helen Stewart, a penitent witch who recently suffered death at Calder, told that you {Margaret} were a witch and were with her at meetings. Also, the late Katheren Shaw, another penitent witch, named you as a witch and said that you were with her at meeting at the places mentioned.
Of this you are guilty, and as a notorious witch you ought to be punished to the death, and this you cannot deny.
Mr James Douglas, minister at Carnwath, witness, sworn in and admitted, testified on oath that he received a letter from Mr Hew Kennedie, minister at Calder, stating that Margaret Watson was a witch and attended several meetings. {The letter} did not state her name but by circumstances declared that she {the person accused in the confession} lived in Carnwath.
You, Jeane Lachlane are indicted and accused as a notorious witch, having been named by the late Katheren Shaw, a penitent witch who recently suffered death at Lanark and who, before her death, declared, at risk of her salvation, several times and constantly until her death that you {Jeane} were guilty of witchcraft and {katheren} went to the fire affirming this to be true.
(For the full trial see RPC reference)
Of this you are guilty, and as a notorious witch you ought to be punished to the death, and this you cannot deny.
Mr James Douglas, minister at Carnwath, witness, sworn in and admitted, testified on oath that he received a letter from Mr Hew Kennedie, minister at Calder, stating that Margaret Watson was a witch and attended several meetings. {The letter} did not state her name but by circumstances declared that she {the person accused in the confession} lived in Carnwath.
You, Jeane Lachlane are indicted and accused as a notorious witch, having been named by the late Katheren Shaw, a penitent witch who recently suffered death at Lanark and who, before her death, declared, at risk of her salvation, several times and constantly until her death that you {Jeane} were guilty of witchcraft and {katheren} went to the fire affirming this to be true.
(For the full trial see RPC reference)
1645
2nd January 1645, Record of the Privy Council of Scotland
Margaret Watson and Jeane Lachlane are found guilty of witchcraft and sentenced to death.
The Councel haveing considered the report abovewritten, ordans the justice to proceed and doe justice according to law.
Show modern translation
The council, having considered the report above {account of Margaret and Jeane’s trial} orders justice to proceed and do justice according to law.
16th January 1645, Lanark presbytery minutes
James Douglas, minister at Carnwath attended the execution of Margaret Watson and Jeane Lachlane. He reports that Margaret Watson withdrew her accusation that Mailie Patersone, Jonet Lockie and Aunt Margaret Watson were witches.
Mr James Douglasse excusing his neglect of goening to Douglasse, by reason he was attending the day appointed upon the condemning and burning the forenamed witches, but not accepted, is sharplie rebooked.
Mr James Douglasse reports, that, according to the ordinance of the presbyterie, he did summond the foresaid mailie Patersone, Jonet Lockie, and Margaret Watson, and confronted them with the foresaid Margaret Watson, witch, who denied again, what before shee had affirmed, to witt, that they were guiltie of witchcraft, and to her verie last breath cleansed them all.
Mr James Douglasse reports, that, according to the ordinance of the presbyterie, he did summond the foresaid mailie Patersone, Jonet Lockie, and Margaret Watson, and confronted them with the foresaid Margaret Watson, witch, who denied again, what before shee had affirmed, to witt, that they were guiltie of witchcraft, and to her verie last breath cleansed them all.
Show modern translation
Mr James Douglas {minister at Carnwath} gave as an excuse for not going to Douglas, that he was attending the condemning and burning of the forenamed witches {Margaret Watson and Jeane Lachlane} but his excuse was not accepted and he was sharply rebuked.
Mr James Douglas reports, that, in line with the orders of the presbytery, he summoned Mailie Paterson, Jonet Lockie and Margaret Watson {aunt of Margaret Watson} and confronted them with the foresaid Margaret Watson, witch, who denied again what she had affirmed before: that they were guilty of witchcraft. To her very last breath Margaret Watson cleansed them all.
Mr James Douglas reports, that, in line with the orders of the presbytery, he summoned Mailie Paterson, Jonet Lockie and Margaret Watson {aunt of Margaret Watson} and confronted them with the foresaid Margaret Watson, witch, who denied again what she had affirmed before: that they were guilty of witchcraft. To her very last breath Margaret Watson cleansed them all.
16th January 1644, Calder kirk session minutes
This day Resawit Be James Flint Collector from Cristian Tailzour spous to wmquhill William Wilsonne In croftheid four scoir merkis assignit and disponit To the sessioun Be David aikman
in Nether Williamstoun and Be Mr William sandilandis Tutor of Turphichen as hawing ryt thereto Be vertue of The Death of wmquhill Jonet Bruce wha Deit ane confessing and sufferring witch Wha at detection of the said Mr William sandilandis rot consent of the sessioun was ordainit to be gewin for the said Jonet hir Intertainment duiring hir Imprissonment and what was remaining to be bestowit for the help of the Intertainment of the remnanant of the witchis wha had not to bestow on thair selwis , Quilk four
scoir merks was Bestowit, with twell ells of plaiding att Nyne shilling, Ilk ell Inde 5 liber 8 shillings with aucht ells of remade hardin At fywe shillings Ilk ell Inde 40 shillings Extending in haill to 3 xx liber 6 shillings 8 d Whereof CCC derectioun of the said Mr William sandilandis with consent of the sessioun gewin to Johne cranstoun for meitt and drink furnishit be the said Jone to witchis then Imprisonit fyftie six pund fywe shillings four penneys preceiding the 13 day of December last 1644 wpon the quilk resait The said Jon cranstoun hes gewin ane dischairge subscribit rot his hand of the dait of this presents and restit in Jamis flints hand of the foirsaid soume 4 liber 4 shillings
in Nether Williamstoun and Be Mr William sandilandis Tutor of Turphichen as hawing ryt thereto Be vertue of The Death of wmquhill Jonet Bruce wha Deit ane confessing and sufferring witch Wha at detection of the said Mr William sandilandis rot consent of the sessioun was ordainit to be gewin for the said Jonet hir Intertainment duiring hir Imprissonment and what was remaining to be bestowit for the help of the Intertainment of the remnanant of the witchis wha had not to bestow on thair selwis , Quilk four
scoir merks was Bestowit, with twell ells of plaiding att Nyne shilling, Ilk ell Inde 5 liber 8 shillings with aucht ells of remade hardin At fywe shillings Ilk ell Inde 40 shillings Extending in haill to 3 xx liber 6 shillings 8 d Whereof CCC derectioun of the said Mr William sandilandis with consent of the sessioun gewin to Johne cranstoun for meitt and drink furnishit be the said Jone to witchis then Imprisonit fyftie six pund fywe shillings four penneys preceiding the 13 day of December last 1644 wpon the quilk resait The said Jon cranstoun hes gewin ane dischairge subscribit rot his hand of the dait of this presents and restit in Jamis flints hand of the foirsaid soume 4 liber 4 shillings
Show modern translation
This day {was} received by James Flint, collector, from Cristian Taylour, wife to the late William Wilson in Crofthead, four score {80} merks. {This was} alloted and given to the session by David Aikman in Nether Williamstoun, {administered} by Mr. Willliam Sandilands, Tutor of Torphichen, {the session} having the right to it by virtue of the death of the late Jonet Bruce who died a confessing and suffering witch.
On the direction of the said Mr. William Sandilands, with his consent, the session was ordered to be given it {the money} for the said Jonet’s keep during her imprisonment, and what was remaining to be set aside to help {pay for} the keep of the remaining witches who had nothing to bestow on themselves.
Eighty merks was set aside, with 12 ells {lengths} of plaiding {cloth} at 9 shillings each ell, and five {Scots} pounds 8 shillings, with 8 ells of harding {course cloth} at five shillings each ell, adding up to 40 shillings. Extending in all to 60 {Scots} pounds 6 shillings 8 pence, whereof ….directed by the said Mr. William Sandilands, with consent of the session, to be given to John Cranstoun for meat and drink furnished by the said John to the witches then imprisoned, 56 {Scots} pounds 5 shillings 4 pennies, preceding the 13th December 1644, upon which day it was accepted. The said John Cranstoun has given a receipt signed by him dated today and hands over to James Flint the aforesaid sum of 4 {Scots} pounds 4 shillings.
On the direction of the said Mr. William Sandilands, with his consent, the session was ordered to be given it {the money} for the said Jonet’s keep during her imprisonment, and what was remaining to be set aside to help {pay for} the keep of the remaining witches who had nothing to bestow on themselves.
Eighty merks was set aside, with 12 ells {lengths} of plaiding {cloth} at 9 shillings each ell, and five {Scots} pounds 8 shillings, with 8 ells of harding {course cloth} at five shillings each ell, adding up to 40 shillings. Extending in all to 60 {Scots} pounds 6 shillings 8 pence, whereof ….directed by the said Mr. William Sandilands, with consent of the session, to be given to John Cranstoun for meat and drink furnished by the said John to the witches then imprisoned, 56 {Scots} pounds 5 shillings 4 pennies, preceding the 13th December 1644, upon which day it was accepted. The said John Cranstoun has given a receipt signed by him dated today and hands over to James Flint the aforesaid sum of 4 {Scots} pounds 4 shillings.
10th April 1645, Calder kirk session minutes
Records of money paid out to people who provided food and drink for the accused women during their imprisonment.
Ordainis Jamis flint Collector To giwe to Samuell Jonstoune Twentie pund, and Jamis sandilandis of Muirisdykis To giwe to him 43s for meitt and drink furnished be him to certain witchis the tyme of their Imprissonment conforme to his commpt
Show modern translation
James Flint, collector, is to arrange to give to Samuel Johnston twenty pounds and James Sandilands of Muirhousedykes {the kirk bailie} is to give to him 43 shillings, for meat and drink provided by him to certain witches during their imprisonment, according to his reckoning.
10th April 1645, Calder kirk session minutes
This record (below) is very similar to those of women who were accused as witches. Isobel shares a surname with an accused woman, Marion Gibsone, and marriage records suggest they were similar age.
This day ane count giwen in be Jone cranstoun for meit and drink furnished To Issobell gibsone from the 11th of December 1644 to the 1st of February 1645 extending to 9 lib 10s & 4d with 20s for dressing the pulpit, ordainit to be payit
Show modern translation
This day an account given in by John Cranstoun for meat and drink provided to Isobel Gibsone from the 11th of December 1644 to the 1st of February 1645 amounting to £9 10 shilllings; and 4 pence and 20 shillings for cleaning and ordering the pulpit, ordered to be paid.
24th April 1645, Calder kirk session minutes
Request for information as to whether Bessie Stevenson was named as a witch by any of the people who were executed as witches at Calder.
The sessioun ordains To giwe ane Testificat to Parick Aikmane under the clarks hand that aither any of our Elderis or any other of our parochoneris did heir any of the confessing and suffering witchis Qua war execute In Calder declaire anent Bessie steinstoun in Corstoun
Show modern translation
The session arranges to give an affidavit to Patrick Aikmane, signed by the clerk, whether any of our elders or any other of our parishioners heard any of the confessing and suffering witches who were executed in Calder declare against Bessie Stevenson from Corston.
24th May 1645, Calder kirk session minutes
This is the last mention of witchcraft during the Calder witch hunt.
The sessioun referris, To the Tutor, Jamis sandilandis, Jamis dowglas, Jamis flint, and Gawane andersonne anent the delationnes Be former confessing and suffering witches, off sutch personis delaitit be them Qua sall be impedit from the communioun
Show modern translation
The session authorises the Tutor, James Sandilands, James Douglas, James Flint and Gavin Anderson concerning the denouncements of confessing and suffering witches. Persons accused by them shall be prevented from taking Holy communion.
References and Sources
Calder: main references
- Learmonth WC (1885) History of West Calder compiled from various sources of information by A Native. AH Aikman, West Calder
- McCall HB (1894) The history and antiquities of the parish of Mid-Calder, with some account of the religious house of Torphichen, founded upon record. British Library.
- Records of the Privy Council of Scotland, ser.2, v.8. 1644-1660. Hume Brown, editor, Edinburgh; 1900-1908. (p37, 108, 109, 117, -119, 137, 138, 590)
Online at: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015073339486&view=1up&seq=163&skin=2021 - Scotland’s People Online at: www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk
Calder kirk session and Linlithgow presbytery minutes
- Sommers J (1838) Account of the parish of Mid-Calder with miscellaneous remarks.
- The new statistical account of Scotland vol ii Linlithgow-Haddington-Berwick. William Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh & London. MDCCCXLV
Carnwath: main references
- Irving GV. The upper ward of Lanarkshire described and delineated (Vol 2). T Murray & Son; 1864 (p482)
Online at https://www.ebooksread.com/authors-eng/george-vere-irving/the-upper-ward-of-lanarkshire-described-and-delineated-volume-2-ivr/page-45-the-upper-ward-of-lanarkshire-described-and-delineated-volume-2-ivr.shtml - Records of the Privy Council of Scotland, ser.2, v.8. 1644-1660. Hume Brown, editor, Edinburgh; 1900-1908. (p146-157)
Online at: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015073339486&view=1up&seq=163&skin=2021 - Robertson J (1839) Ecclesiastical records: selections from the registers of the Presbytery of Lanark. M.DC.XXIII. – M.DC.IX.
Online at: https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/102144743
South Leith: main references
- Robertson D (1911) South Leith records. Andrew Elliot, Edinburgh. At: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015051169129&view=1up&seq=7&skin=2021
General References
- Blackwood W (1845) The statistical account of Edinburghshire. At: https://books.google.co.uk/books/about/The_Statistical_Account_of_Edinburghshir.html?id=ZYAOAAAAQAAJ&redir_esc=y
- Bonar AA (1891) Letters of Samuel Rutherford with a sketch of his life and bibliographical notices of his correspondents. Oliphant Anderson and Ferrier
- Brodie-Innes JW (1890) Scottish Witchcraft Trials. The Chiswick Press
- Extracts from the records of the Royal Burgh of Lanark, AD 1150-1722. Carson and Nicol, Glasgow. MDCCXCIII. At: https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uva.x000931514&view=1up&seq=9&skin=2021
- Gilmore (1948) Witchcraft and the Church in Scotland subsequent to the reformation. PhD Thesis. University of Glasgow. At: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/79658/1/13850490.pdf
- Goodare J, Martin L, Miller J, Yeoman L The survey of Scottish witchcraft. http://www,shca.ed.ac.uk/witches/ (archived January 2003, accessed December 2021)
- Goodare J (2021) Costs and profits of Scottish witch-hunting. History Scotland. Vol 21(4) August 2021
- Goodare J (Ed) (2002) The Scottish witch-hunt in context. Manchester University Press
- Larner C (1981) Enemies of God. John Donald, Edinburgh
- Larner C, Hyde Lee, C & MacLachlan H (1977) A source-book of Scottish Witchcraft. The Grimsay Press, Glasgow
- Levack BP (2007) Witch-hunting in Scotland: law, politics and religion. Routledge, London
- MacDonald S (1997) Threats to a Godly society. The witch-hunt in Fife, Scotland 1560-1710. PhD Thesis, The University of Guelph. At: https://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/tape17/PQDD_0009/NQ33310.pdf
- Maxwell-Stuart PG (2016) The British Witch Hunt -the biography. Amberley Publishing
- Maxwell-Stuart PG (2008) The great Scottish witch hunt. Tempus
- Paterson L (2012) The Witches’ Sabbath in Scotland Proc Soc Antiq Scot. 142: 371-412.
- Scott H (1915) Fasti ecclesiae scoticanae: the succession of ministers in the Church of Scotland from the reformation. Oliver and Boyd
- Warwick J (1913) The moderators of the church of Scotland from 1690 to 1740
Online at: https://catalog.hathitrust.org/api/volumes/oclc/3149347.html - Wilkinson J (2021) addendum to McCall H B (1894) The history and antiquities of the parish of Mid-Calder, with some account of the religious house of Torphichen, founded upon record. British Library.
- Wilkinson JG (1992) West Lothian Place Names. Torphin House
- Wilkinson JG Bare Breeks, Gutterslap, Fitimhame & Garbles: A Review of West Lothian’s Place-names. (In press)