Drysdales & Witchcraft trials in 17th century Scotland

[Ronald Drysdale]

Drysdales & Witchcraft trials in 17th century Scotland

I have found four references: 2 alleged witches (1 probably executed) and 2 witnesses at witchcraft trials, attached pdf gives further details. 

1. Ref: The 1649-50 Scottish witch-hunt with particular reference to the synod of Lothian and Tweeddale - Paula Hughes Phd thesis
Eupham Drysdaill of Caridne [Carriden, Bo’ness] - a confessed witch (probably executed)
2. Ref: Confessions of the Alloa Witches 10-6-1658 - one of the trial witnesses - William Dryisdall
3. Ref: The Annals of Auchterarder & Memorials of Strathearn - Agnes Drysdale of Coldrain, Kinross - stated to be a member of the Witches Coven at the crook of Devon - probably escaped execution
4. Ref: A Collection of Rare and Curious Tracts on Witchcraft and the Second Sight – The witches of Borrowstouness 1679 - Alex. Drysdale, Skipper is mentioned as a witness

Attached pdf:

[Ronald Drysdale]

Just came across another reference to one 'Jonet Drysdaill' who was denounced as a witch in 1609 by Dalkeith presbytery church.

http://witches.shca.ed.ac.uk/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.accusedrecor...

She was imprisoned initially in Crichton, escaped on her way to Musselburgh and was then recaptured.

Her subsequent fate is not known.

[Ronald Drysdale]

Hi all,

An update on the fate of Agnes Drysdale of Coldrain, Kinross - accused of being a member of the Witches Coven at the crook of Devon in Fossoway & Tulliebody:

https://witches.hca.ed.ac.uk/accused/A/EGD/1685

The Crook of Devon Witchcraft trials in 1662 were one of the most infamous of the Scottish witchcraft trials, resulting in 11 executions for witchcraft & sorcery:

Thanks to Russell for the link to this map

Note: the following link gives an instant download of a small pdf of the trials proceedings:

Ref: https://journals.socantscot.org/index.php/psas/article/download/626...

Some excerpts of trial testimony from three of the accused are also copied here:

".....Lykeways that ye confessed ye had ane meeting with the Devil at the
Stanriegate, bewest the Cruick of Devon, where the Devil desired you to be
his servant and renounce your Baptism whilk ye refused to do at that time;
and that the Devil was riding on ane horse with fulyairt clothes and ane
Spanish cape and that there was with you at that meeting, Bessie Keil in
Gelvin, Marget Hoggan......... Marget Beveridge, there; her sister Agnes
Drysdale, spouse to John Blackwood of Coldrain, riding on ane brown horse
and ane old black plaid about her. This ye said to be on Wednesday about
Yule last, two hours before day, and that the Devil appointed them to meet
at the Bents of Balruddrie on Friday thereafter.....

........Lykeways ye confessed that Sathan had copulation with you, and that his
body was cold and his seed also, and said he was an uncouth man with black
cloathes and ane hood on his head........
.......Ye confessed lykways that ye was at another meeting with Sathan at the
Stanriegait bewest the Cruik of Devon with the foresaid six deceased women,
and Elspet Dempster spouse to James Beverage, Agnes Drysdale, spouse to
John Blackwood of Coldrain."

Agnes Drysdale, was the daughter of William Drysdale of Sheardale, Dollar (she's mentioned is his will dated 1600) & was the grand-daughter of James Drysdale of Lochleven fame (who threatened to kill Mary Queen of Scots).

She married John Blackwood of Coldrain on 24 Feb 1622 in Fossoway and Tulliebole parish and is mentioned in the marriage record as coming from Dollar.

There are no records for any children

To Conclude - She was accused as a witch in the 1662 Crook of Devon Witchcraft trials but luckily, managed to escape capital punishment, this is confirmed by the fact that in 1668, Agnes is designated as the executrix in John Blackwood's will.

"John Blackwood Testament 6-6-1668 portioner of Wester Collindren [Coldrain] Dunblane Commissary Court"

Confirmed by Robert Bruce of Bordie, Fife, Commissar of Dunblane with Agnes Drysdaill as Executrix.

Best regards

[Russell Lynn Drysdale]

Ronald ,

Well done article, keep the good work!  I see you have credited me for the map, in all honesty  Peter Drysdale sourced that contribution, I just passed it along.