In October 1708, Christian Wilkieson of Greenlaw, in the Berwick region of Scotland, faced serious charges of engaging in practices deemed as witchcraft. The records denote that Christian was accused specifically of "charming," a term often associated with using spells or incantations thought to manipulate natural or supernatural forces. Charming, during this time, was closely linked to communities' fears over unexplainable misfortunes or illnesses, which were often attributed to malevolent acts by individuals presumed to be witches.
During her trial, as noted in the historical documents, Christian was ultimately declared a fugitive. This designation suggests that she either evaded capture or did not appear in court to answer the charges brought against her. Being declared a fugitive in the context of early 18th-century Scottish witch trials would not have been uncommon. Many accused individuals fled to avoid the stigma and the often harsh punishments that could accompany a conviction. Christian's decision or inability to confront the allegations highlights the widespread trepidation surrounding witchcraft accusations during this era, and the social and legal predicament faced by those accused.