Mary W Craig Collection

She has been commonlie called a rank witch these many years bygane - the trial of agnes finnie, kirk session of greyfriars 1644

Agnes Finnie’s story is much more nuanced and more interesting than that of the stereotypical poor defenceless woman persecuted by the Kirk. Through Agnes’ story, the everyday lives of ordinary people struggling to survive are revealed. Scotland became increasingly seen as a land under threat from the Devil and his handmaidens: witches. The women and men who were accused of witchcraft were real people with real lives. This is just one of their stories.

During the 17th century when witch hunts were a daily occurrence, if a woman was arrested and accused of being a witch she would be tried and usually found guilty in a matter of days, even hours. This was not the case for Agnes, a working woman living in the tenements of Edinburgh. Her whole trial was unusual. It took months of deliberation from the jury.

Mary W. Craig explores Agnes’ curious case and provides a fascinating insight into the political and religious tensions that led to Agnes’ burning.

Reviews:

Thanks to King James VI’s legacy and staunch efforts at eliminating witchcraft in Scotland, it would be dangerous to be a woman accused of witchcraft for centuries thereafter. Craig investigates one peculiar case of Agnes Finnie, a shopkeeper and money lender who underwent a month-long trial before being convicted. The long bibliography proves how much research Craig put into this account yet her engaging narrative writing style makes it almost feel as if you’re reading a novel. SCOTTISH FIELD

About Borders Witch Hunt:

The book provides an overview and analysis of the witch trials in the Scottish Borders in the 17th century. The 17th century was a time of upheaval in Scottish and British history, with a civil war, the abolition of the monarchy, the plague and the reformation all influencing the social context at the time. This book explores the social, political, geographical, religious and legal structures that led to the increased amount of witch trials and executions in the Scottish Borders. As well as looking at specific trials the book also explores the specific role of women, both as accuser and as accused.

Reviews:

A particularly juicy bite of Scottish social history. SCOTLAND MAGAZINE

She takes an interesting and holistic view of this turbulent time in Scottish history. A fascinating read. KENNY SMITH

An interesting and holistic view of this turbulent time in Scottish history...a fascinating read. SCOTTISH FIELD

About the Author:

MARY W CRAIG is a writer and historian living in Scotland. She is a former Carnegie scholar and a graduate of the University of Glasgow. She is a working historian and writer and specialises in central European history. She has written articles for several journals and gives history talks and lectures across the country.