In the midst of the turbulent seventeenth century, in the parish of Ormiston, Haddington, lived Jean Getgood, an individual whose life would be engulfed by the witch trials that swept through Scotland during this era. The sparse records we have on Jean offer a glimpse into a period when fear and suspicion could easily transform ordinary lives into tragic tales. Residing in Ormiston, Jean was part of a community that was not immune to the widespread panic and accusations of witchcraft that characterised the time.
The specific case against Jean Getgood is documented under the reference C/EGD/1380, dated the 6th of September, 1661. Unfortunately, the historical records extend no further details regarding the accusations or the circumstances that led to her being charged. What is clear, however, is that her case was significant enough to be noted, as indicated by its entry in judicial records.
Although the trial records, noted as T/JO/813, provide no additional specifics, the very existence of these entries marks a pivotal moment in Jean's life. The lack of details leaves us in a state of curiosity and reflection, acknowledging the harsh realities faced by those like Jean during the witch hunts. Her story, though shrouded in mystery, stands as a testament to the fears and societal pressures that defined a dark chapter in Scottish history. Jean Getgood's place in the history of the witch trials serves as a poignant reminder of the countless, often nameless, individuals whose lives were altered irrevocably by the hysteria of the time.