Bessie Stivenson or Bessie Stevenson (c.1610? to 1659) was executed for witchcraft in Stirling, Scotland in the 17th century.
Bessie Stivenson | |
|---|---|
| Born | c.1610? |
| Died | 1659 Stirling, Scotland |
| Cause of death | Capital punishment (strangled and burnt) |
Biography
editBessie Stivenson was tried on witchcraft-related charges in March 1659, alongside two other Stirling women, Magdalene Blair and Isobel Bennet, for using charms to cure illness.[1][2] [3] She was a widow and thought to be around 49 years old at the time of the trial.[4]
Stivenson confessed to healing with deeds, but denied using words.[3] She was found guilty and sentenced to death. She was strangled and burnt.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Harrison, John G. (1998). "Women and the Branks in Stirling, c.1600 to c.1730". Scottish Economic & Social History. 18 (2): 114–131. doi:10.3366/sesh.1998.18.2.114. ISSN 0269-5030.
- ^ Larner, Christina; Lee, Christopher Hyde; MacLachlan, Hugh V. (1977). A source-book of Scottish witchcraft: Comp. by Christina Larner, Christopher Hyde Lee und Hugh V. M[a]cLachlan. Glasgow: SSRC Project on Accusations and Prosecutions for Witchcraft in Scotland. ISBN 978-0-85261-145-6.
- ^ a b Goodare, Julian; Yeoman, Louise; Martin, Lauren; Miller, Joyce (2010). "The trial of Bessie Stevenson". Trial Details - T/LA/1130 Bessie Stevenson. doi:10.7488/ds/100. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
- ^ Goodare, Julian; Yeoman, Louise; Martin, Lauren; Miller, Joyce (2010). ""the details of the accused"". The Survey of Scottish Witchcraft: Accused Details A/EGD/306. doi:10.7488/ds/100. Retrieved 28 July 2023.