Thesis

The 1649-50 Scottish witch-hunt : with particular reference to the synod of Lothian and Tweeddale

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2008
Thesis identifier
  • T12067
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Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Between April 1649 and July 1650, over 500 people were accused of witchcraft in Scotland. This period represented one of the five "peaks" in witch-hunting in early modern Scotland identified by Christina Larner in her landmark work on the Scottish witch-hunts, Enemies of God (1983). To this date there has been no in depth study of the 1649-50 Scottish witch-hunt. This thesis offers an examination of the 1649-50 witch-hunt, considering the response of the central authorities to the outbreak of witch-hunting in the localities and the efforts to organise and control the witch-hunt. It also considers the actions of the local presbyteries and kirk sessions in the Synod of Lothian and Tweeddale in responding to community pressure for action on suspected witches. A unique approach has been adopted in considering the nature of Covenanting government and how it shaped the central response to the witch-hunt and the attempts to control the witch-hunt "from above". This thesis combines an examination of the volatile political situation in 1649-50 with an analysis of the complex social nature of witchcraft accusations. This thesis brings together the social and political history of the period in the context of explaining the 1649-50 witch-hunt, with particular regard to the synod of Lothian and Tweeddale.
Resource Type
DOI
EThOS ID
  • uk.bl.ethos.488813
Date Created
  • 2008
Former identifier
  • 782744

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