1.1 North Berwick: the origins of the persecution Flashcards
the importance of North Berwick
how was the North Berwick case typical to many 16th/17th century persecutions?
- large number of women accused
- charged with ‘fraternising with the devil’
- malficium was central to the case
the importance of North Berwick
what makes the case unique?
- the involvement of James VI
the importance of North Berwick
central charge against the accused?
- conjuring a storm to prevent James VI and Anne of Denmark from travelling to Scotland after their marriage
witch hunting in Scotland
why was witch hunting in Scotland more intense than hunting in England?
government, monarchy, court.
- less complex government: fewer royal agents, local officials could pursue witches without interference, trials were dominated by paranoid neighbours.
- weak monarchy: torture was illegal without the consent of the privy council or parliament, but local judges did it anyway
- simple majority in court: only a simple majority in court was needed to find a defendant guilty rather than a unanimous decision
witch hunting in Scotland
why was witch hunting more intense in Scotland than in England?
protestant reformation, scotland’s economic situation, tradition?
- protestant reformation: anti-catholic feeling was heightened. The use of rituals and traditions was blamed on witches
- Scotland was poor: the devil would offer people riches was a common idea
- tradition: deeply held belief in faires and folk magic used for helpful purposes although this could result in accusations of wrongdoing.
witch hunting in Scotland
Scotland executions 1563-1727
+ % of those on trial who were executed?
- 216 executions
- 54% of those on trail were executed.
witch hunting in the late 16th century
1563 (scotland) witchcraft act
- made witchcraft a capital offense, and consulting with a witch
witch hunting in the late 16th century
what did the 1563 witchcraft act do for the level of dealing with witchcraft?
- commissions of judges could be setup under the witchcraft act in order to investigate cases, and they were sent around the country when required.
- witchcraft could be dealt with nationally.
witch hunting in the late 16th century
pattern of accusations
- in the years 1590-1591 was intense
- accusations peaked in the mid 17th century and declined rapidly
Gilly Duncan’s Confession
what were Gilly Duncan’s abilities?
- she had unnatural healing abilities
- those who were disabled or sick in her neighbourhood often made miraculous recoveries
Gilly Duncan’s Confession
How was Seaton involved?
- she was a maidservant for David Seaton
- he decided to question her about her powers, and why she had been stealing from his house
- Duncan remained silent, Seaton tortured her.
Gilly Duncan’s Confession
How did Seaton torture Duncan?
- ‘pilliwinks’ or thumb-screws
- cords around her head
Gilly Duncan’s Confession
What did Duncan say as a result of her torture? what happened to her?
- she denied involvement
- Seaton searched her for a witches mark, which was found on the front of her throat, and she confessed.
- she was sent to prison where she named others.
Gilly Duncan’s Confession
Seatons lack of compassion for Duncan: What could her humble background mean potentially? what was his motivation? who did she accuse of witchcraft?
- her humble background could have allowed her to have knowledge of medical techniques such as leeches.
- his motivation may have been her stealing from him or being absent from work
- she accused high status individuals of witchcraft
James’ voyage to Denmark
when was Anne’s first voyage
1 September 1589
James’ voyage to Denmark
What did James order (his cousin)? Then, what did he do in the end?
- he suggested Francist Stewart, Earl of Bothwell, who was Admiral of Scotland to fetch his bride
- the cost of the trip was rejected by the chancellor
- James went to Denmark instead
James’ voyage to Denmark
James travels: where did he go? when in Denmark, who did he meet?
- he left in October, arrived in Norway and went to Denmark where he stayed until Spring.
- In Denmark, he met lots of scientists and philosophers and his royal engagements included a visit to astronomer Tycho Brahe, and theologian Neils Hemmingsen and lots of courtiers who believed in witches.
James’ voyage to Denmark
what happened on James; voyage back to Scotland?
- one ship was lost and witches were again blamed
- members of the Danish court visited Scotland and James grew even more hatred towards Witches.
Did James’ voyage encourage his belief in witches?
How are witches referred to in the Witchcraft Act 1563
- abusers of the people rather than Devil worshippers
Did James’ voyage encourage his belief in witches?
before James’ voyage: was the act enforced?
- rarely
- 1573 an order was given by the General Assembly of the kirk that witches were simply to repent
Did James’ voyage encourage his belief in witches?
Neils Hemmingsen influence on James VI
- Hemmingsen was well respected
- he wrote a book entitled admonitio de superstitionibus magicis vitandis in 1575
- Hemmingsen accepted the witches were able to carry out acts of maleficium but denied the possibility of a pact with the Devil
witchcraft in Denmark
laws surrounding witchcraft? (safeguarding after 1547)
- torture was illegal
- testimony was unreliable individuals excluded
- 1576: appeals against local court decisions could be heard in the high court in Copenhegen
- Danish trials rarely made refernece to pacts wit hthe Devil .
witchcraft in Denmark
high profile witch hunts: Luteran Bishop Peter Palladius?
- encouraged christians to speak up if they suspected witchcraft
- he reported 52 witches that were burned in just 1 hunt.
witchcraft in Denmark
Scotlands protestant reformation and influence from Denmark: the case of Bessie Dunlop?
- accused of witchcraft in Ayr in 1576
- the devil tempted her to be catholic
- bessie confessed under torture the ghost of a dead soldier assisted her in healing animals and finding stolen goods.
trials in Denmark were also based on accusations of hidden catholicism
