Do witches exist?

That was not a question in the 16th century. It was a statement with an answer as certain as the rising of a new day or the setting of the sun. Back then, being tried for witchcraft was as normal as being tried for breaking and entering. There are many stories of witch trials, from the Basque witch trials to the Salem witch trials, but the trial of the witches of Renfrewshire are another story.

This one talks about the bewitching of Sir George Maxwell, a knight, and 11-year-old Christian Shaw after she reported a family servant for stealing a drink of milk. Both bewitchings lead to a trial, but Shaw's is memorable for reasons that will leave you aghast.

In the pages of this book, you will find actual accounts from the witch accusers insisting that they had been bewitched and confessions from these witches some insist were born from fear and desperation.

One thing's for sure, when you are done reading you will be horrified. Either by the trials or because, just maybe, witches do exist.

John Millar

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