Trial T/JO/421
Trial Summary
| Trial Ref | T/JO/421 |
|---|---|
| Case | Black,Kathrin |
| Accused | Kathrin Black |
| Trial Date | 23/3/1659 |
| Trial Place | Tolbooth |
Location
| County | Stirling |
|---|---|
| Burgh | Stirling |
Outcome
| Verdict | Guilty |
|---|---|
| Sentence | Banishment |
| Defence | No |
| High Status | No |
| Female Accusers | 4 |
|---|---|
| Male Accusers | 7 |
Pre-Trial
| Arrest | Yes |
|---|---|
| Confronting Suspects | No |
Notes: She was first arrested in 9/1658 and eventually released on 28/12/1658 due to illness (bloody flux). She was then rearrested and released on bail. Testificate (solemn declaration in writing) described her appalling jail conditions (JC26/26). The order from the Privy Council to release her from prison was addressed to the JPs of Clackmannanshire. She was then tried in the circuit court and tried again later.
| Date | Prison | Location | Fate in Prison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/1659 | Tolbooth | Stirling | |
| 28/12/1658 | Tolbooth | Alloa | Released |
| 16/3/1669 | Released |
| Name | Title | Involvement | Witch Pricker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walter Sword | Chancellor | — |
Trial Notes
JC26 documents show that she was imprisoned and released several times due to illness. On 18/12/1658, the Privy Council ordered her to be tried at the circuit court of Stirling.
Assize ordered to go to Edinburgh for 3/8/1658 for trial of Alloway/Alloa witches, (I don't think the trial happened there?)
She pleaded not guilty
I think it is the North circuit even though it is bound in with South and West circuit secion. She plead not guilty. On an undated list of people from 1658-9 to be arraigned before the justice courts.
Was arrested again and petitioned for release (on 16/3/1659) was granted, trial was set for circuit court in Stirling to be held 22/3/1659.
On 22/3/1659 Katherine and Elizabeth Black wrote a supplication to the justice commissioners asking for a postponement of sentencing and for the jury to be recalled and instructed at law.
Later documents indicate a number of irregularities at this trial and the accused was held in prison until 1661 when an order for another trial was issued.
Assize ordered to go to Edinburgh for 3/8/1658 for trial of Alloway/Alloa witches, (I don't think the trial happened there?)
She pleaded not guilty
I think it is the North circuit even though it is bound in with South and West circuit secion. She plead not guilty. On an undated list of people from 1658-9 to be arraigned before the justice courts.
Was arrested again and petitioned for release (on 16/3/1659) was granted, trial was set for circuit court in Stirling to be held 22/3/1659.
On 22/3/1659 Katherine and Elizabeth Black wrote a supplication to the justice commissioners asking for a postponement of sentencing and for the jury to be recalled and instructed at law.
Later documents indicate a number of irregularities at this trial and the accused was held in prison until 1661 when an order for another trial was issued.
Post-Trial Notes
She was ordered to be held in Stirling tolbooth until arrangements could be made for her banishment. She was banished from the nations of England, Scotland, and Ireland - essentially she was ordered to be transported. She gave her mark (signature) stating that once transported she wouldn't return. Held in prison till 1661.