North Berwick Witches' Persecution
James VI of Scotland Took an Active Role in the Trials
The 1590-1 persecution and execution of "witches" was among the most brutal of those in the UK. This happened during "The Burning Times," the acme of such atrocities.
The Burning Times reached its zenith between the late 1500s and 1700s.
Protestant King James VI, later James I of England, abhorred witches and those suspected of practicing the craft. In Scotland, between the mid-1560s and early 1700s, it is thought that 3,000 to 4,000 accused witches might have been executed, most of these during James’ reign.
Hallowe’en 1590
About 70 witches attended the All Hallow’s Eve Sabbat. On this dark autumn night, they raised a fierce storm at sea. The purpose was to sink the royal Man-of-War, with James and his bride aboard, which sailed from Denmark to Scotland. His ship survived the maelstrom.
Persecution, Atrocities, Confessions and Sentences
Gillis, Gelie or Gilly Duncan (first name varies according to sources) was Chamberlain David Seton of Tranent’s maid. Suddenly, she developed the ability to heal people. Seton noticed she secretly went out at night and suspected she got her talent from the devil.
He questioned Duncan about her nocturnal excursions and was displeased with the answers. He subjected her to unspeakable torture. She wouldn’t confess. Finally, she was subjected to a body search and a devil’s mark, believed to be one made by his claw or a hot iron, was found. The girl’s only choice was to confess. She was put into jail and forced to name other witches under extreme duress.
Ultimately, Duncan was burned at the stake.
Among those she named were:
- John Fian: school master and alleged coven leader who was tortured more than the others until he confessed. Fian recanted his admission. Strangled and burned.
- Agnes Sampson: respected elderly woman. She told James about the 1590 Hallowe’en Sabbat and confessed to more deeds. Strangled and burned.
- Barbara Napier: esteemed widow of Earl Archibald of Angus. Condemned to be burned, later was set free.
- Euphemia Maclean: wealthy woman of high regard. Despite her defense aided by six lawyers, she was found guilty. Burned.
The witches accused Richard Graham, a necromancer, of witchcraft. He was burned at the stake.
Also accused was the Earl of Bothwell, an alleged enemy of the King, of conspiring with them to raise the storm. He was charged with high treason and incarcerated in Edinburgh Castle from which he escaped.
About seventy people were accused of witchcraft. The records don’t indicate the exact amount or how many were executed.
Epilogue
What really happened on Hallowe’en 1590 isn’t possible to verify. Many historians and scholars give no credence to the confessions of those accused because they came about due to extreme torture. The idea of trying to raise a storm at sea is derided. Others, although they believe magick exists, reject the raising of a storm, especially for the purpose of killing a king. Among these are today’s witches of Scottish heritage who argue that this is out of character for their ancestors.
There is research suggesting the North Berwick trials were created by James VI, David Seton and James Carmichael, minister of Haddington, to further their political and religious ambitions.
Related articles:
Witchcraft Wars, Trials and Hunts in Pennsylvania
Sources:
The Dark World of Witches, Eric Maple, (Castle Books, 1970)
The Encyclopedia of Witches & Witchcraft, Rosemary Ellen Guiley, (Facts on File, Inc., 1999)
