The legal proceedings against Bessie Duncan began in the closing weeks of 1629, rooted in the testimony of Alexander Hamilton. Identified in the records as a warlock, Hamilton denounced Bessie as a known witch, drawing her into a wider web of accusations that brought her to the attention of the authorities. Following this denunciation, Bessie was detained in the tolbooth of Haddington, where she remained held throughout the early months of 1630 while the judicial machinery prepared to address her case.
On July 2, 1630, Bessie faced an assize in Haddington, an event that necessitated the formal assembly of the brethren. Commissioners were appointed to preside over the trial of the women then imprisoned within the tolbooth, Bessie included. The historical record for C/EGD/1140 and T/JO/78 captures this moment of convergence in the Haddington courthouse, marking the culmination of the process initiated by Hamilton’s earlier claims. With the brethren ordered to attend the proceedings, the court convened to reach a final determination regarding the charges brought against her.
