Agnes Nemo lived during a turbulent period in Scottish history, a time when fear of witchcraft was pervasive and the laws were harsh. Residing at the house of the Moore in Liberton, near Edinburgh, Agnes was surrounded by rural landscapes where her husband tended to cattle that reportedly grazed on neighboring lands. This detail of their livelihood, seemingly innocuous, formed part of the murmurs against her, fueling local tensions and suspicion.
On the 4th of March, 1658, witness depositions were recorded at Edinburgh Castle, a prelude to formal proceedings against Agnes. The records indicate that accusations were mounting, culminating in her being summoned under the ominous charge of witchcraft. Detailed proceedings were marked by dense webs of local rumor and testimonies, yet specifics about the exact nature of accusations against Agnes remain elusive.
By July 6th, 1658, the situation seemed to hang in uncertainty with a “diet continued” notation, reflecting perhaps a delay or an incomplete trial process. The draft of the dittay—or indictment—suggests an ambiguous trajectory for her case, leaving historians without a clear resolution as to whether Agnes stood trial, suffered punishment, or was cleared of charges. Her story, encapsulated in these sparse records, serves as a testament to the broader social anxieties and administrative practices of 17th-century Scotland, illustrating how individuals could become ensnared in the era's witchcraft fervor.