Penman,Gideon

Case Reference: C/EGD/617

Case Summary
Case RefC/EGD/617
AccusedGideon Penman
Case Start Date2/4/1674
Case Date8/9/1679
Common NamePenman,Gideon
Characterization
TypePrimarySecondary
Not Enough Info

Notes: It is difficult to characterise this case as there is no evidence of accusations related to witchcraft. The concerns of the presbytery relate more to his 'scandalous carriage' such as his affair with his servant, non-attendance at kirk, lack of visiting of his parishioners and pilfering of the poor fund rather than practising witchcraft or magic. He was indicted for witchcraft with a group in the circuit court.

NameTitleInvolvementNotes
William Hamilton MrMinisterinterviewed Penman in attempts to get him to confess sin of adultery
George Kintore MrMinisterinvolved in investigations about accusations of adultery
Janet MacDougall involved with Penman and accused of committing adultery with him
George MacKenzie Mr/Sir of RosehaughInvestigatorInvolved with setting his trial and pre-trial arrangements.
John Makmath MrMinisterinvolved in the investigations about Penman's adultery
Robert Spottiswoode MrInvestigator

SourceReferenceNotes
Books of AdjournalJC2/15 f. 20r, 37v
Dalkeith Presbytery recordsCH2/424/5, pp 17, 29 onwards esp pp 42-44, 87-106;early entries cover the accusations and investigations about Penman's scandalous behaviour: drinking, fathering a child to his servant etc. Witnesses were called and interviewed. One of the witnesses (Isobell Hislop(e)/Hyslop) is named as a witch and was tried in 1679 or 1683. Penman was found guilty of the charges and removed from his position as minister. Further investigations 7/1677. By 3/10/1678 Penman is recorded as being accused of witchcraft and imprisoned. No further details.
RPC3rd series, vol 5, p 494.Record of commission for arrest.
Circuit Court BooksJC10/3 fo. 20r.
Process NotesJC26/49
Process NotesJ26/52petition and granting of release from prison in 1679.
Trials (1)
Trial RefDateYearVerdictSentenceExecution
T/JO/436 8/9/16791679 No
Case Notes
he was indicted for witchcraft on 8