Borders Witch Hunt

by Mary W. Craig

The book provides an overview and analysis of the witch trials in the Scottish Borders in the 17th century. The 17th century was a time of upheaval in Scottish and British history, with a civil war, the abolition of the monarchy, the plague and the reformation all influencing the social context at the time. This book explores the social, political, geographical, religious and legal structures that led to the increased amount of witch trials and executions in the Scottish Borders. As well as looking at specific trials the book also explores the role of women, both as accuser and as accused.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2020

About the author

I am Mary W. Craig, a writer and historian. I am a former Carnegie scholar and a graduate of the University of Glasgow. I write historical fiction and non-fiction about ordinary people and how they live their lives buffeted by the politics and economics of the elite.

Some historians are known as hedgehogs, happily snuffling about rooting out the minutest of historical details. Others are known as eagles, soaring on high they see the great vistas of historical events. A few are known as magpies: if something shiny and interesting catches their eye they will try to capture it where possible.
I am a magpie.

Reviews

[Sandra Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book but about a very dark subject. The book gives lots of detail about the poor women and how a trivial little complaint could end up in death. It also tells of how the Kirk in the Borders felt trapped and became so obsessed with the Devil. If you want to know about how bad Scotland's history can be this is the book for you.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up in this area and knew literally none of this. 221 people executed for witchcraft over the years! 93 more who met an ‘unknown fate’. Two in my small home town, and 41 in nearby Peebles! Even now the population of the Borders is only 120,000!

I grew up thinking of witch trials as myths and legends. Maybe a few in the Middle Ages? Or in places where paranoia took hold like Salem? But, no, there were literally hundreds in the Scottish Borders as late as the 1700s. All people living there in the 1600s would’ve known of the trials, and perhaps attend an execution. Most probably personally knew some of the people involved. Real people believed in this stuff and acted accordingly!

The book itself could perhaps do with another round of editing - there are a few typos and redundant passages - perhaps it will get this in a second edition.

It is on the whole, though, written in a friendly, approachable style. It keeps the dryer parts of the history interspersed with extraordinary - but well sourced - stories of real cases. I’d recommend it to anyone interested in Borders history, legal history, church history - or just the credulity of humanity in general.

[David Dodds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Craig's knowledge of the witch-hunting era is legendary and this is the second of her books that I've read. Here, she delves into the local witch-hunts around the Scottish Borders. Her research is exemplary, as always and where she has to make an assumption, she ensures the reader is aware.

This is a dark and thoroughly torrid period of Scottish history for women and Mary lays it all out. History is usually written by those in charge and this book is one of a growing movement that rewrites it from the point of view of those who were trampled down and abused. If you live in the Borders you're likely to discover something awful that happened near where you live (I did) and if you don't this book will open your eyes to the truth about Scottish witch-hunting. You're likely to discover that what you thought was bad and stupid was often much darker than that.

[allgrapesnowrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so fascinating! The author explains the context around the trials in this part of the world really well, especially regarding the constant change to monarchy and religion. She has a sarcastic tone that I really like, but it doesn’t discredit any of the research or information she provides; she’s simply pointing out the hypocrisy within the trials and the absurdities, while balancing a somber tone as many people (mostly women) were killed during this period. Highly highly recommend if you’re into history, monarchies, women’s history or politics.

[Shona Snaddon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read about a very dark time in Scottish history and how the Kirk was obsessed with the devil. So many poor women sent to death over petty arguments, and extreme measures of torture to get a confession. The methods of torture quite barbaric and I think anyone would confess to stop the pain

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This record is organized by town. The tellings are clear according to date, locale, accused named and other interesting background information.

I appreciate that it focuses on the Marches, although the western March has very light coverage.

Like much geneaological work, it takes reading broadly to piece together complete stories. There is a good bibiiography which is important.

[Mark Hodgson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully researched and well told history of the witch persecutions in the Scottish borders. Highly recommended if you want to understand the reach and power of the kirk in controlling the people and how "witch" was used to eliminate individuals who didn't fit in or adhere to social norms.

[Jenifer Lavery · Rating 4 out of 5]

A harrowing review of the 17th century witch trials in the Scottish borders were many a women was falsely accused, tortured and put to death, so that so called good men could feel safe in their own religion

[Kristina Swallow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a period of history that fascinates, scares, and saddens me. There are lots of books about the subject, which I've enjoyed, but I have to say, I really enjoyed reading about the history of my own country and how we treated these people (mostly women).

[Emma Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very detailed and accurate account of the borders witch trials in the 17th century. I would never have know about any of this had I not read Mary Craig's fantastic book.

[Audrey Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary's research is always spot on, Mary is passionate about her subject, and comes across in borders witch hunt and borders burnings.

[Tiffany Johnstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fascinating from start to finish.