What was the impact of confessions, trials and executions in the years 1590-91?

What was the impact of confessions, trials and executions in the years 1590-91?

The Case of Agnes Sampson and John Fian

Agnes Sampson accused

>> She was a midwife, healer and cunning woman.

>> She was also well educated.

>> The devil’s mark was found on her. This led to James VI personally interrogating and examining her.

>> Cords tied around her limbs, the witch’s bridle and being kept awake for several days and nights were some of the punishments used on her.

Charges:

-          Healing the sick

-          Discovering personal information on the behalf of others

-          Sailing across the sea in a sieve

-          Calling on the devil through the use of a dog named Elva, who helped her with healing.

>> James VI became interested in her from her confession of creating the storms for Anne of Denmark.

>> After losing her dignity, due to being shaved and searched, she would confess to anything they asked her.

Impact of Sampson’s confession

>> She was proud of her abilities.

>> She recited James VI and Anne’s conversation on the first night of their marriage.

>> Magistrates agreed she was the leader of the coven. This was when her accusations were moved away from North Berwick to Edinburgh.

She accused high profile people such as:

-          Barbara Napier, who was a friend…