North Berwick Witch Trials

The persecution began after storms disrupted the voyages connected with the marriage of James VI of Scotland and Anne of Denmark. Danish witchcraft accusations and the forced confession of the Scottish servant Geillis Duncan encouraged claims that an international group of witches had attempted to harm the royal couple.

More than seventy people were implicated. Suspects including Geillis Duncan and Agnes Sampson were tortured, questioned before the king and prosecuted through a mixture of local grievance, religious fear and political suspicion. Several accused people were executed.

The Burnings reconstructs the events through Geillis and the Danish courtier Margaret Vinstarr.