In the midst of the turbulent 17th-century Scottish witch trials, many individuals, often those living precarious lives on the margins of society, found themselves accused of witchcraft. One such individual was Agnes Litle, whose name is recorded as part of a trial process dated 1 July 1650. Agnes's residence was noted as being associated with Wigtown, though the presbytery's records indicate she originally hailed from the Stranraer presbytery area. However, her lack of a settled parish, a circumstance not uncommon at the time, earned her the label of a "vagabond," a term often used to describe those with transient lifestyles.
The label of vagabond could negatively influence perceptions of individuals, as stability and regular church attendance were highly valued in early modern Scottish society. Being without a fixed abode or parish affiliation often led to suspicion and made one more vulnerable to accusations. Whether Agnes had been migrating through necessity, kinship ties, or other personal reasons, the presbytery's note of her mobile existence underscored an implicit connection to instability and, by the prejudices of the time, untrustworthiness.
The records, sparse as they are, paint a picture of the challenges faced by women like Agnes during this fraught period. Her trial, identified in the records with a reference (T/JO/1282), would have followed the conventions of the time, wherein testimonies from neighbors or others in the community could weigh heavily against her. As with many accused, the combination of her social standing, association with different communities, and possible reliance on folk practices or midwifery—common grounds for witchcraft accusations—might have contributed to her standing before a judicial process in which outcomes were often grim. These details offer a fragmentary glimpse into Agnes Litle's life, reflecting a moment where broader societal fears intersected with the precarious realities of personal circumstance.