Background Flashcards
1
Q
Overview of the North Berwick Hunt
A
- 1590-1591
- 70 executed, 200 accused
- 80% of victims are women
2
Q
Scotland’s Political and Legal Context
A
- Less complex system - only central control, no way to keep people accountable
- 1563 Witchcraft Act - place WC in the national consciousness as a crime, allowed commissions to be formed
3
Q
Social Attitudes in Scotland
A
- Quarrels were rife in society - often leading to accusations of WC if misfortune followed
- Marriage highly valued (regular = in public, good / irregular = private, bad)
4
Q
Scotland’s Religious Context
A
- Scottish Reformation - Calvinist (Catholicism was the antichrist)
- 1584, The Black Acts - increased James control over the Kirk, exacerbated anti-Catholic sentiments in society
5
Q
James’ Relationship with Parents
A
- Mother: Mary Queen of Scots - James not allowed to see her, she allegedly tried to kill him, strong Catholic
- Father: Lord Darnley - assassinated by James’ uncle
- Leads to James feeling paranoid and fearful of attempts on his life
6
Q
James’ Education
A
- Raised as a strong Calvinist
- Tutored by George Buchanan and Peter Young - Buchanan would beat him
- James became a devout Calvinist and strongly believed there was and anti-christ in Scotland
7
Q
Significance of James’ childhood and early reign
A
James’ childhood did not start the initial witch hunting BUT it does help to explain motivation for him getting so involved during the hunts
8
Q
Niels Hemmingsen
A
- Respected theologian - wwrote a book on WC in 1575
- Influential in orchestrating hunts in Denmark during the 1500s
- Inspired James and introduced him to idea of diabolism
9
Q
Peder Munk
A
- Befriended James while in Denmark, told him of Copehagen trials in July 1590 and the threat on his life
- Helps to explain how James was made aware of threat on his life/ similarities between NB & CPH trials
10
Q
Anna Koldings
A
- Witch accused of raising a storm to sink Anne and James’ ship, using demons to pull it under
- Gives Agnes Sampson’s name as an accomplice
- James is already aware of Agnes Sampson when Gilly Duncan accuses her in her confession
