A collection of historical and genalogical records

Was Janet Douglas a witch?

In 1677, one Janet Douglas, an apparently mute (the legends use the word "dumb") young serving girl arrived at the Pollok estate of Sir George Maxwell of Auldhouse (see painting), who had suddenly become seriously ill. She "miraculously" regained the power of speech, pointed the finger at five people, as well as a 14-year-old girl, accusing them of witchcraft, and therefore of being responsible for the Laird's sickness.

This would appear to be the same Janet Douglas mentioned here:
Two sons of Douglas of Barloch having been drowned, crossing a river at one time, the father was induced by Janet Douglas (reknowned for identifying witches) to believe that the calamity was the effect of witchcraft. Barloch consequently caused John Gray, Janet McNair, Thomas and Mary Mitchell to be apprehended and carried to Stirling Tolbooth. Barloch, being 'a gentleman of mean fortune' could not afford the cost of their detention, and on 5 July 1677 an investigation was ordered into their alleged crimes. The outcome is not known, but Janet Douglas was 'banish(ed) beyond the seas'.

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Comment by William Douglas on September 10, 2015 at 10:13: I have just realised that i posted a similar article this time last year!
http://douglashistory.ning.com/profiles/blogs/witches-in-your-dungeon

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