Geillis Duncan

Geillis Duncan, a maidservant in North Berwick, Scotland, was accused by her employer of witchcraft after he observed her skill in curing the ill, which he deemed unnaturally miraculous. Her employer, a deputy bailiff, took charge of the examination. She was arrested in 1589, confessed under torture, and executed. Duncan named many other witches and the event sparked a series of trials and executions that are now known as the North Berwick witch trials, which were sanctioned by King James VI.