In the autumn of 1649, in the parish community of Bolden, Peebles, Jeane Threipland found herself embroiled in a rather grave matter, as her name was formally entered into the records of those accused of witchcraft. Historical documents indicate that Jeane was married, though little more is detailed about her immediate personal circumstances or her standing within her community. However, the very nature of her accusation suggests that her daily life was abruptly consumed by the fearful specter of witch trials prevalent in Scotland during this period.
The specific case against Jeane Threipland—officially cataloged as C/EGD/2061—was set for trial on the 6th of November, 1649. While the record, known as T/LA/2050, does not elaborate on the specifics of the charges brought against Jeane, it places her within the context of a broader societal anxiety towards witchcraft that characterized Scotland from 1563 to 1736. Her trial would likely have been a formidable process, as the Scottish witch trials frequently involved a series of interrogations, where the accused might face intense societal pressures and the looming presence of both local and religious authorities. Jeane’s experiences would be shared by many of her contemporaries, swept into the turmoil of a period where suspicion and fear could readily overturn the stability of everyday life.