In the early 17th century, Scotland was gripped by a pervasive fear of witchcraft, and the town of Haddington was no exception. It was here in 1630 that Katherine Lawder, a resident of Stobstane, found herself entangled in one of the many witch trials that characterized this period. The record indicates that Katherine's troubles began when she was accused of witchcraft by Alexander Hamilton, a man referred to as a "warlock" in the documents. Hamilton's denunciation of Katherine was noted on December 4, 1629, setting the stage for her subsequent trial.
On July 2, 1630, the presbytery records show that the brethren were summoned to appear at Katherine's trial in Haddington to assess the charges laid against her. The details of the accusations remain scant in the surviving documentation, but the involvement of church officials underlines the seriousness with which such cases were treated in that era. Katherine's name further emerged in association with other trials, hinting at a network of accusations and fears that spread throughout the region. The characterization of Hamilton as a "known witch" suggests a complex social and judicial landscape where accusations could be employed for various motives, beyond mere suspicion of sorcery.
Katherine Lawder's case exemplifies the climate of suspicion and fear that pervaded 17th-century Scotland. Her story, like that of many accused individuals, is largely silent on her personal circumstances and the impact of these events on her life. Yet, it stands as a testament to the turbulent times she lived in, offering insight into the trials and tribulations faced by those ensnared in the witch hunts of early modern Scotland.