Agnes Finnie

About the Book: 

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

This book is a fascinating look into the trial of Agnes Finnie, a woman accused of witchcraft in 17th century Edinburgh. It really paints a picture too of what life was like for working people living in the tenements and the impact of broader political and religious issues during that time. Highly recommended for those interested in the history of witchcraft, Scottish history and of social history. This book was especially of interest to me as I love to learn about Scottish witchcraft and write stories about Scottish witches. HEATHER BLANCHARD 

About the Author:

MARY 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.