In the bustling mid-17th century Scottish town of Kintore, within the traditionally tight-knit community of Aberdeen, Helen George found herself ensnared in the era's pervasive fear of witchcraft. Married and residing in this vibrant town, Helen's life took an unexpected turn when she came under suspicion of witchcraft in May 1671. Her case, marked by the number C/EGD/801, showcases a period in Scottish history where accusations of witchcraft were all too common, fueled by societal anxieties and superstitions.
The trial of Helen George was conducted on the 30th of March, 1671, in Aberdeen, a city that had seen its share of witch trials in previous years. Unfortunately, the details of her trial are scant, as the extant records, specifically identified by T/LA/1156, do not provide comprehensive insights into the proceedings or the allegations she faced. Notably, the lack of a verdict in the trial notes leaves her fate ambiguous, but the mention in the Aberdeen roll that she was ‘Abs’ suggests that Helen may have been acquitted or otherwise released from the trappings of her accusation.
The entry in the Aberdeen roll, indicating 'Abs', offers a brief, albeit unclear, glimpse into the likely outcome of her case. The notation likely implies that she was absent from any further proceedings or spared from any punitive measures—a fate not afforded to all accused during this tumultuous period. Helen George's brush with the witch trials of the late 17th century provides a window into the precarious positions many women found themselves in amidst the swirl of fear and superstition that characterized this dark chapter in Scottish history.