In the spring of 1591, Gelie Duncan, a resident of Haddington, became a central figure in the extensive judicial proceedings that characterized the North Berwick witch trials. On May 8, 1591, official records indicate that Gelie faced formal charges, which included participating in an illicit meeting of witches. Following her detention, she provided a confession that was formally documented, marking a pivotal moment in the legal investigations of the era. These proceedings occurred during a period of heightened scrutiny regarding supernatural activity, where her testimony and legal status became subjects of intense administrative focus.
The scope of Gelie’s involvement, as indicated by the court records, was significant and interconnected. She was frequently cited as an accomplice in the trials of several high-profile and notable figures, including Agnes Sampsoune, Ewfame Makcalzene, Barbara Napier, and Francis Stewart, the Earl of Bothwell. Beyond these associations, Gelie was linked to a wide network of individuals, including John Fean, Jonet Straton, Robert Grierson, Marion Ranking, Margaret Thomson, and the wife of George Mot. Her influence was also reflected in the testimonies of others, as she was specifically denounced by Margaret Acheson and Jokkie Gray-meill. Among the specific grievances brought against her, legal records document allegations of property damage concerning boats, underscoring the tangible impact the community attributed to her actions.
