In the year 1669, Hendry Wilson, a loadman by trade from the locality of Fogo Milne in the parish of Fogo, Berwickshire, found himself embroiled in the pervasive witchcraft trials gripping much of Scotland at the time. As someone from a lower socioeconomic bracket, Hendry's circumstances were not unique among those accused of witchcraft during this period, where societal tensions and personal vendettas often found an outlet through such accusations.
Unfortunately, the historical record of Hendry's trial on April 8, 1669, provides scant detail about the specifics of the charges levied against him or the nature of the evidence brought forward. His occupation as a loadman—someone responsible for loading and unloading goods—might have brought him into contact with many in the community, thus increasing his visibility and perhaps vulnerability to suspicion. However, the documents do not specify the nature of the activities or behaviors that attracted the accusation of witchcraft.
The name of Hendry Wilson surfaces in the archival record largely in the context of his trial entry marked as "Wilson, Hendry" and the reference to the trial file T/JO/640, yet these fragments offer no further insights into the proceedings or the outcome. As is the case with many accused in this dark chapter of Scottish history, the lack of detailed records means that much of Hendry's story remains untold, leaving behind only the stark testament of an accusation during a turbulent time.