Helen Manderstoun, also known by her maiden name Arnot, was a woman of notable standing during a turbulent period in Early Modern Scotland. Born into nobility, she was married to Sir George Home of Manderston, a union that appeared to have been fraught with tension. By the early 17th century, the specter of witchcraft accusations haunted many, and Helen, despite her aristocratic status, was not immune. On the 2nd of February, 1630, Helen faced accusations of witchcraft, a serious charge that could have dire social and legal consequences. Her accuser, Hammilton, implicated her in a plot of sorcery purportedly aimed at undermining the life and estate of her husband, Sir George.
The records suggest a complicated web of personal and possibly political motivations. It is noted that Hammilton's initial confession may have been coerced, potentially at the behest of Sir George himself, implying a further layer of marital discord or court intrigue. However, in a turn of events that departed from the typical outcomes for those accused of witchcraft, Hammilton later retracted her confession, leading to Helen's release. Such reversals were unusual and say much about the influence Helen wielded, which was further underscored by the subsequent prosecution of William Mowat and Patrick Abernathy for their false testimony against her.
By November 1632, Helen had legally divorced Sir George Home, a rare act in that era and a testament to her resilience and determination. Her case not only sheds light on the pervasive atmosphere of suspicion and fear of witchcraft but also highlights the unique challenges faced by women of status in navigating the legal and social landscape of 17th-century Scotland. It stands as a poignant reminder of the intersections between gender, power, and law during the Scottish witch trials.