Chapter III. Martyrdom

Plate 9.CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

Typical tortures in the case of witchcraft were: nail paddles, sleep deprivation, forced walking and interrogation by brodders (prickers). Contrary to belief, women were not burned as punishment and were often hanged before being put to the flames. The reason for burning was based on a purification ritual derived from a biblical interpretation.

6th May 1692: Item, to the executioner for the burning and scourging of a vagabond named Mary Campbell

1st July 1709: Item, for putting aen English strumpett out of toune and on the cuckstooll

April 1547: Item, For putting in a wicker basket and drawing up to a beam projected from the tower at the Stirling Tolbooth for hours Marian Rae, accused and convicted for abusive language. (From the Guildery of Stirling Records)

Plate 10. TINKLETUM TANKLETUM

Lie on my face and had to do with me and grunkled over me like a sow.

The year 1662 saw a certain pricker of the name Paterson from the Lowlands, with a formidable record as a witch finder, invited to the parish church of Wardlaw, Kirkhill, near Inverness, to 'prick 14 women and one man. He was soon run out when it was discovered that Mr. Paterson was in fact a woman. He had a very elaborate method of torture which today may be considered as some sort of hypnosis.

Scots Law: The last legal execution of a woman as a witch was in 1727, before repeal in 1736.

In Cumberland under English law, Mrs McGee was acquitted of a charge under the 1735 Witchcraft Act in 1935.

Plate 11. ST. THENEW

Mother of St. Mungo.

Plate 12. BABE POWER - TRIBUTE TO VALERIE

Solanas

Valerie Solanas, author of the S.C.U.M. Manifesto, is perhaps better known for having shot Andy Warhol.


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