In the early 17th century in the coastal town of Kirkcaldy, Fife, the specter of witchcraft accusations loomed large. Among the accused was William Coke, a 50-year-old married man who found himself at the heart of a witch trial that concluded with the ultimate sentence. On the 15th of November, 1633, William faced trial for witchcraft in Fife, an event that culminated in a verdict of guilt. The specifics of the accusations against him remain shrouded in the shadows of history, yet it is recorded that damage to property, specifically boats, was among the allegations he faced. This suggests fears among the community of a malevolent power affecting their critical livelihoods, reliant as they were on the sea for sustenance and trade.
The records note that an assize—a type of jury historically used in Scottish courts—was convened in Kirkcaldy to adjudicate William's fate. Unfortunately for him, the trial resulted in a conviction, leading to a sentence of execution by means of strangulation and burning, a not uncommon punishment during this period for those found guilty of witchcraft. Just over a month later, on the 17th of December, 1633, William met his tragic end, marking another chapter in the dark saga of the Scottish witch trials. Through the lens of history, William Coke’s life and demise reflect both the local and cultural tensions of his time, underscoring the profound impact of fear and superstition on the lives of individuals living in 17th-century Scotland.