Helen Hill, a woman of middling status, resided in the bustling port town of Queensferry, Linlithgow during the mid-17th century. The records hint that her surname might alternatively be recorded as Mill, reflecting common variances in historical documentation. At the age of 50, Helen found herself ensnared in the witchcraft trials that swept through Scotland, a fate she shared with her two adult daughters. This familial connection played a critical role in her case, marking a poignant aspect of the witch trials where accusations often extended beyond individuals to encompass entire families. Helen's husband worked as a mariner, contributing to the town’s maritime economy but perhaps leaving Helen more vulnerable to communal scrutiny in his absences.
The proceedings against Helen culminated in December of 1643, casting a shadow that enveloped not only her but also her daughters, the mention of whom appears in related documentation from 1644. The details of her case, noted as C/EGD/2338, reveal the swift and severe judgment of that era; by 1644, records state that Helen was executed by burning, a grim testament to the brutal methods employed during the witch trials in Scotland. The execution marked the tragic endpoint of her story within the historical record, leaving a sobering reminder of the era’s intense fear of witchcraft and the societal vulnerabilities that could lead to such drastic outcomes.