In the midst of the tumultuous period of the Scottish witch trials, Janet Small, a resident of Carriden in Linlithgow, became ensnared in the fervor and fear of the witch hunts. On the 9th of July, 1649, Janet found herself at the center of an accusation that would alter the course of her life forever. The historical records from her trial, designated under case number C/EGD/1641 and trial T/LA/1972, indicate that a confession was documented, a common feature in many witch trials of the time. Such confessions were often extracted under duress or intense pressure, reflecting the grave circumstances under which accused individuals like Janet were compelled to speak.
The details surrounding Janet's confession remain sparse in the extant records, leaving much to the imagination about the specific charges laid against her and the narratives she gave during her interrogation. However, the very fact of a recorded confession intimates the level of seriousness with which her case was treated, as well as the significant social and legal mechanisms aimed at identifying and punishing those suspected of witchcraft in 17th century Scotland. The documentation of Janet Small's trial and confession stands as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of the witch trials on the individuals accused and the broader societal dynamics of the time.