The historical records bring us to 17th century Edinburgh, where Agnes Nemo resided at the house of the Moore in Liberton. A married woman, Agnes was entwined in the life of the Scottish moors, her daily existence connected closely with the livestock her husband managed. Notably, the records hint at community tensions, noted by the fact that her husband let cattle graze freely, leading them to consume the corn of neighbouring lands. Such actions could have planted seeds of discord or suspicion, suggesting a backdrop of strained relations which might influence the perceptions of those around her.
Agnes was drawn into the pell-mell world of the Scottish witch trials of the 1650s, a period rife with anxiety and chaos. Her entanglement in a legal proceeding is evidenced by the case noted as "Nemo, Agnes," recorded on the 6th of July 1658. Yet, details about the trial are murky, with confirmation about its occurrence or venue remaining elusive. The record of "draft dittay" suggests accusations leveed against her, though we remain uncertain about any formal adjudication. Earlier that year, on the 4th of March, things began to unfold when witness depositions were taken at Edinburgh Castle, perhaps indicating the severity with which the community or authorities viewed her case.
The historical backdrop of Agnes’s life presents a scene common in many narratives of accused witches during this era, where personal dynamics often intersected with broader societal fears. These factors, alongside community grievances—as in the grazing issues with her husband's cattle—may have compounded to place Agnes in a perilous position. While much about her fate remains speculative due to scant records, her story illustrates the precarious nature of existence for women of that time, who could find themselves caught up in superstitions and disputes, often without clear resolution.