Sampson, Agnes (d. 1591)

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Sampson, Agnes (d. 1591)

Scottish witch. Name variations: Agnis Sampson. Born in Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland; died 1591 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Lay-healer, lived during reign of King James VI of Scotland (later James I of England), an enthusiastic witch-hunter, who traveled to Denmark to bring home his new bride, Anne of Denmark, after her ships had been beset by storms while attempting to land in Scotland (1590); was accused of heading coven of North Berwick Witches who had cursed royal voyage; initially repudiating all charges, was subjected to the 1st trial in Scottish history where sustained torture was sanctioned by law to extract names and confessions; eventually caving in, she listed over 70 souls, including the earl of Bothwell, the king's cousin; executed by strangulation then burned.

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Sampson, Agnes (d. 1591)

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