Trial T/LA/1121

Trial Summary
Trial RefT/LA/1121
CaseCuninghame,Elspeth
AccusedElspeth Cuninghame
Trial Date30/3/1659
Trial PlaceTolbooth
Location
CountyAyr
BurghAyr
Outcome
VerdictGuilty
SentenceExecution
DefenceNo
High StatusNo
Female Accusers13
Male Accusers12
Executed
Method: Strangle & Burn
Pre-Trial
Confronting SuspectsNo

Notes: She was orginally arrested in 1651. Also, it seems that a former provost and two former bailies tried to exonerate her and the three other arrested with her (7/10/1651). There is some evidence of a commission being granted that was not acted upon (from 13/7/1652).

DateType
Pricking
Trial Notes
Two porteous rolls (one of which dated 31/3/1658 summoned the whole 1658 group to appear for trial). Mentioned on 6/4/1658 that the Justice of the Peace was to investigate and report back at the next court. Her trial happened on 29-30/3/1659 a year later. Both of her appearances in front of the circuit court were in the tolbooth of Ayr. There is also a dittay with a list of witnesses and another one from 6/4/1658 with details (21 male and 13 female witnesses).
Post-Trial Notes
She was ordered to be executed between 2-4 p.m.