Bernard Brown, a resident of Dalkeith near Edinburgh, is a rare example of a male witchcraft accusation in a period overwhelmingly associated with female suspects. Historical records indicate that Bernard's case emerged amidst the heightened scrutiny of witchcraft in the mid-17th century, an era marked by significant social and religious upheaval. His name appears in association with several others, as recorded on August 3, 1661, when a presbytery note detailed that Bernard had confessed to engaging in witchcraft activities alongside four other individuals.
The journey of Bernard's accusation seems to have spanned over a decade, an indication of the prolonged and often intricate nature of witch trials during this period. Notably, a confession attributed to Bernard was recorded as early as November 15, 1649, suggesting that his involvement with the alleged coven was known to authorities long before any final judgement was rendered. The specifics of this confession, preserved in historical records, contribute to the scarce but poignant details of Bernard's narrative.
Unfortunately, details surrounding Bernard's trial remain obscure, providing no insight into the proceedings that ultimately led to his execution. This absence of information is not uncommon, as many records from this time are incomplete or have been lost. What remains clear is that by the time of his execution, Bernard stood as a condemned figure amidst a society that adhered to strict interpretations of Christian doctrine and was deeply fearful of diabolical influence. His case reflects broader themes of paranoia and the tragic human cost of the witch hunts that swept through Scotland during this tumultuous period.