(Q112893930)

English

witchcraft investigation of Katharine Oswald

historical event recorded in 16th-18th century Scotland

  • Case of Katharine Oswald

Statements

Ritual involved plucking a nettle by the root, urinating on it and walking around it three times to cure a disease. Her servant saw her light a fire between two doors and walk a new born calf over it. A neighbour found her in a trance-like state laying on her floor by the fire, they heard a great din and mumbling. (English)
Most of the accusations resulted after a dispute about business type things, selling cows milk, the use of kailyards, fostering a child (foster care not wet-nursing), corn, coal and salt. She was denounced by Elizabeth Stevin alias Toppok and Alexander Hammilton, but her neighbours were quick to provide evidence.The information about her demonic pact comes from testimony by Alexander Hammilton another suspected witch at the time of her trial. He is later convicted. Sex with D on a hill in a den (valley) for 15min. with K. Gilmore (from A. Hammiltoun).Meeting at the suspect's house. Very small gatherings. Meetings at salt pans, again small gatherings but they raised a big storm at the 'Borrowing days' 29-31/3/1625. The road was near a hole in a valley near Edmetstoun (Edmonston?).These things happened after quarrels.Lots of damage to crops - kale, flax, hemp, corn.Very complicated legal wrangling. She was arrested in Nidrie, but because there was no tolbooth she was held in Edinburgh for 8 weeks with no movement in her case. Husband complained, trial set for 22/9/1629, appointed sheriff and bailies of Edinbugh as judges - they needed help so PC appointed 4 assessors. The trial didn't happen untill 11/11/1629. (English)

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