North Berwick Witch-hunt Flashcards
wider context of Scotland
scotland had a less complex system of government, meaning there was less oversight if things got out of hand. according to the law, torture was allowed with consent from the privy council. however, due to a relatively weak monarchy, torture occurred regardless and without any consequence.
The North-Berwick witch-hunt was the result of several, interconnected factors. what were the more direct causes
its crucial to understand that the role of james’ involvement in the witchhunt was one of the central reasons as to why the hunt escelated
What role does James take in the witch hunts?
He is actively involved, personally interrogating the witches
What impact did james’ involvement have on the witch hunts?
It couldn’t have led to them starting but could have helped them to become more widespread as James became more involved
How did his childhood lead to paranoid thoughts?
His mother was forced to abdicate and later killed by Elizabeth I.
His mother was a Catholic but he was taught there was a Catholic antiChrist working in Scotland
It led to him being fearful of treason and plots to kill him
how have historians percieved the personality of king James
James’ personality is remembered by historians to be filled with paranoia and suspicion as a result of the plots against his family, including the suspicious circumstances of his father’s death.
how did James’ experience of meeting with a dutch scholar change his beliefs around witchcraft
James’ had a limited belief in witchcraft until his meeting with Dutch scholar and theologian, Niels Hemmingsen. Following the meeting there is a notable change in James’ beliefs around witchcraft.
explain how the combination of james’ paranoia filled childhood and travels to denmark impacted his perceptions
When combined with his experiences as a child, it becomes even more plausible that James would perceive the events of his journey as a threat to his life.
How did James’ visit to Denmark influence his beliefs on magic?
Niels Hemmingsen- had written a book on magic and related subjects in 1575
Witch Trials in Denmark had taken place throughout the C16th. This reveals the importance that the context of Scotland had on causing the hunt to become more widespread
How was Anna Koldings connected to the Denmark visits and the North Berwick witch trials?
She was accused of raising a storm to sink Anne’s ship and sending demons onboard to pull it under
She gave the names of 5 other women- who were also accused, including Agnes Sampson
Who was the Earl of Bothwell and how did his involvement begin?
his involvement began when Sampson claimed he promised the witches a reward if they sank James’ ship on the way to Denmark. thus Bothwell was a central figure in the witch trials and the fact that he had a claim to the throne highlights james’ fear and paranoia that stemmed from childhood
What happens to Bothwell?
Bothwell is arrested but escapes, he pleads with the King who gives him a trial-
James fears him and withdraws his pardon- Bothwell flees to Europe
How does Bothwell explain why the trials became widespread?
the link between treason and witchcraft was cemented after Bothwell was implicated. this Shows that belief in magic was tightly intertwined with politics which in turn increased paranoia of treason for James.
What led to the national hunt in 1597?
The general commission
Lack of central control - Judicial procedures and central control weak
James VI and “Daemonologie”
What was the general commission?
5 judges were given permission to torture at will, commissions were then given to nobles and magistrates - this made trials and convictions more likely
