In the early decades of the 17th century, Magdalen Horn resided in the coastal town of Thurso, situated in the northern reaches of Caithness, Scotland. The historical records indicate that she was a married woman, with her husband described as an "indweller," suggesting that he might have been a relatively prominent or established resident in the community. This status, however, did not shield Magdalen from the wave of witchcraft accusations that swept through Scotland during this tumultuous period.
On the 8th of September, 1636, Magdalen Horn found herself entangled in a legal case concerning witchcraft, listed under case number C/LA/3338. This case name bearing her identity marks a significant point in her life, as she became one of many individuals caught up in the witch trials that characterized this era. Records from this time are scarce in providing explicit details about the nature of the accusations she faced or the evidence that might have been brought against her.
The outcomes of witch trials in 17th century Scotland varied, often harshly, depending on social connections, local reputation, and the vagaries of local legal proceedings. While specific details of Magdalen's trial proceedings, referenced under trial number T/LA/2128, are not delineated in the surviving documents, her case adds to the broader tapestry of historical accounts which illustrate the fear and suspicion around witchcraft that permeated communities like Thurso. Each case, Magdalen's included, stands as a poignant reminder of this fraught chapter in Scottish history.