During the 16^th and 17^th century there were 3000 to 5000 women publicly accused of witchcraft. Prosecutions for witchcraft were beyond brutal. While many claimed innocence. There were some that did not.

 

Ironically enough, during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots (how much crazy history is around about her!!??!) witchcraft became a capital offence as the Witchcraft Act was passed in 1563 with the last execution in Scotland occurring in the 1720s. Anyone presumed to be a witch could legally be tortured hunted, and executed. This led to the Great Scottish Witch Hunt from 1660-1662.

 

During this time, they created many ways to test for the truth as to if the accused was a witch or not. Many times, once accused, the suspected witch would be placed in the scold’s bridle. This was a tongue type muzzle that prevented them from speaking so that no spells could be cast against their accusers.

 

Additionally, though torture devices, especially used by the church, were prohibited, those accused of witchcraft still were illegally tortured by the use of the iron boot and/or thumb screws. Legal forms of obtaining a confession included sleep deprivation (which causes hallucinations and allowing accusers to convict them of witchcraft), searching for a witch mark, witch pricking. The latter two involving sexual abuse by stripping the accused and then searching and poking a large needle into various areas of their body to see if they would bleed.

 

If that wasn’t enough, they were also often left deprived of food, water, and warmth. Often they were beaten by guards and threatened with a torture some execution. Most had been a victim of mob violence while being brought in.

 

Meet Isobel Gowdie (nicknamed Isobel Long-beard). In the 1600s she lived in extreme poverty with no education, living in Loch Loy. She was unable to read or write. Did she embrace the name “witch” due to her ability in creative verbal story telling and imagination?

 

In April 1662 Isobel Gowdie (born 1632), a farmer’s (John Gilbert) wife (of note: the legal age for marriage in Scotland at that time was 15), calmly told her accusers in Auldearn (near Nairn -- Highlands) that she practiced witchcraft and shared details of her meetings with the Devil. She gave a detailed account of her craft over a period of six weeks. Without torture she confessed to theft from the wealthy, spoiling crops, having a coven of 13, flying on enchanted horses, casting spells on local people, and socializing with fairies (among a large number of other things). She even claimed to b e able to shape shift. From Isobel’s account, over 40 additional people were arrested.

 

It’s been said through history that perhaps she had been tortured for such detailed confessions (torture had been outlawed by the Privy Council, however could still be allowed based on thoughts of local authorities). Other Historians feel she may have suffered from hallucinations or psychosis.

 

Or was she just worn down and hoping they would spare her for a wonderful, grand, detailed confession?

 

Until next time – I’d love for you to follow me for my research, Witch history, and some upcoming looks at works in progress (books)

 

Did you know Scotland passed the Witchcraft Act of 1563 in June 1563? For a century and a half, witches were hunted (about 1563-1736). Not even witches – even others simply assumed to be that may not even practice – but they were different.

Throughout history one thing has been proven over and over – others fear what is different. Rather than embrace differences, others seem to fear them.

In a nutshell, this Act Against Conjurations, Enchantments, and Witchcrafts made it possible for those convicted to be punished by death.

Many know about the Salem Witch Trials (Feb. 1692-May 1693) – but many do not know that this also happened in other countries.

 

You will find there are a number of witchcraft acts (I will eventually cover these and specifics more in depth at a later date for t hose interested):

Witchcraft Act 1542 – Henry VIII was the first to claim witchcraft as a felony. This meant it was punishable by death and chattels and goods were forfeit.

Witchcraft Act 1563 – This was passed early during Elizabeth I’s reign. It was her version of a slightly less brutal form of punishment in that it was only punishable by death if harm had been done. The punishment for other acts was imprisonment.

Scottish Witchcraft Act 1563 – This I discussed above and will be highlighted more later.

Witchcraft Act 1604 – James I ascended to the crown a year prior to this with the assistance of Edward Coke (and several others). Burning at the stake was pretty much done other than in cases that were also petty treason. At this point, most witches were hanged. Minor witchcraft offenses were punishable by one year in prison.

Scottish Witchcraft Act 1649 – This passed a series of acts to enforce godliness – blasphemy, worship of false Gods, and beaters and cursers of their parents were now able to be punished. Additionally, they ratified the 1563 Act to extend to deal with consultors of “devils and familiar spirits” – to punish them with death.

Witchcraft Act 1735 – This allowed those that claimed to be able to call upon spirits, tell the future, cast spells, find stolen goods – would be punished as vagrants and con artists. This was punishable by imprisonment and was for the whole of Great Britain, thus repealing Scotland’s 1563 Act and England’s 1604.

 

There were also many other related acts (which we may dive into later).