Geilles Wood, a woman residing in the village of Wester Pencaitland in Haddington, became embroiled in the turbulent wave of witch trials that swept through Scotland during the 17th century. Her case, documented under the records dated 28th August 1649, captures a snapshot of a society steeped in fear of the supernatural and the desperate search for scapegoats during turbulent times. The accusations against Geilles were part of a much larger pattern across Scotland, where fear often triumphed over reason, and neighbours turned against one another in suspicion and fear.
The trial documentation, designated as T/LA/1964, records the proceedings of Geilles's trial. It reflects the often grim reality faced by those accused of witchcraft at the time. Within the courtroom setting, Geilles would have found herself confronted not only by legal officials but also by community members, whose testimonies could seal her fate. During these trials, evidence was often sparse and reliant on societal perceptions and local hearsay rather than concrete proof. The events leading up to Geilles Wood's trial and its outcome remain a poignant reminder of an era when the supernatural held powerful sway over both minds and judicial proceedings. Her story represents countless others who, in similar circumstances, faced the harrowing prospect of trial and judgement in an uncertain and fearful era of Scottish history.