In the year 1662, the town of Haddington, a quiet community in East Lothian, was swept into the turmoil of witchcraft accusations when Jean Kerse, a local resident, found herself enmeshed in a case that would etch her name into the annals of the Scottish witch trials. The incident was part of a broader series of accusations, notably stirred by a young man named James Welch. Though Welch himself was considered too young by authorities to face trial, his fervent denunciations were taken into account, resulting in the persecution of numerous individuals, including Jean.
Jean Kerse, a married woman whose life was likely rooted deeply in the rhythms of her community, became the focus of judicial proceedings as part of this widespread panic. In the records referred to as case C/EGD/558, Jean’s involvement delineated the fears and suspicions that had gripped the area. Although the historical record does not delve into the specific nature of Welch’s confession or the reasons Jean was singled out, it is clear she was among many swept up by his accusations. These trials, documented as T/LA/1370, highlight the intersection of superstition and judicial processes during this tumultuous period in Scotland, reflecting the broader societal fears of witchcraft that permeated the era.