Witch? Women on Trial – Greenside @ Riddles Court
The Edinburgh Storytellers tell the stories of our past, in this case, the witch trials in Scotland which began in the early 16th century. Our storyteller is Natalie, who enthusiastically draws us into the world of witches.
Just to give you a taster of some of the material spoken about, Natalie told us about Janet Cock, who was sent to jail for drunken behaviour, but was then released due to her daughter’s efforts, but a couple of months later she was re-arrested on new charges and was convicted and sentenced to death for witchcraft. Between 1590-1662 executions took place for witchcraft, and many trumped up charges were used to suppress women’s vitality, to quieten those who were outspoken or would not conform. The prosecutors were men, and we see this theme...