The case of Erschin Carfra, recorded in the legal archives of June 1636, provides a stark insight into the judicial processes of Haddington during the seventeenth century. Identified in the records under case reference C/LA/3332, Erschin was brought before the authorities at a time when the witch trials of Scotland were a frequent and grave preoccupation of both local kirks and the state. As a resident of Haddington, Erschin’s experience reflects the administrative rigour applied by the courts of the era, which meticulously documented the proceedings from the initial accusation through to the formal trial under reference T/LA/2122.
The records for Erschin remain focused on the procedural milestones of the legal system, capturing the date of her trial as the 16th of June, 1636. While the specific nature of the allegations levelled against her—a common feature of the period—are held within the context of the broader judicial machinery, the documentation underscores the gravity with which the court treated her appearance. By recording these details, the archival ledger preserves Erschin’s name and place in history, serving as a formal testament to a legal encounter that shaped her final years in Haddington.