Anna Tait facts for kids

Anna Tait was a woman from Haddington, East Lothian who was accused of witchcraft in 1634. She was put to death in 1635. Her story is about her deep sadness and feelings of guilt. These feelings were linked to the death of her first husband and the passing of her beloved daughter.

Who Was Anna Tait?

Historians like Louise Yeoman have studied Anna Tait's case. For a long time, Anna Tait's name was not in the main books about Scottish witchcraft. This was because her case, along with many others, was hidden in old records. These records were found much later by Dr. Michael Wasser. His discovery helped bring Anna Tait's story to light.

Her Nickname: Hononni

Anna Tait was also known by the nickname Hononni. This name sounds like a cheerful phrase from old songs, "Hey nonny no!" It's a bit ironic because Anna Tait's life was full of sadness and difficult events.

Anna's Life Story

Anna Tait was married to a man named William Johnston, who worked as a miller.

John Coltart

During her questioning, Anna Tait said that many years earlier, in England, she had caused the death of her first husband, John Coltart. He was an older man who moved cattle. She confessed to giving him a special drink made from plant leaves. He passed away a few hours after drinking it. Anna had married John Coltart in England in 1606.

Elisabeth Johnston

Anna also confessed to causing the death of her daughter, Elisabeth Johnston. Elisabeth was from Anna's second marriage. Anna said she gave Elisabeth a drink made of white wine and salt. She hoped this drink would help her daughter with a difficult situation.

Questioning and Detention

Anna Tait was questioned very closely by officials. She confessed that she had spoken with the Devil. She claimed the Devil had told her how to make the special drinks. She also said the Devil appeared to her again while she was in prison. She felt very guilty about her daughter's death. Anna was held in prison, and the court records say she met with the Devil there. She claimed he appeared as a black man and as the wind.

The Trial

Anna Tait's trial happened on January 6, 1635. The person leading the case asked her if she wanted anyone to speak for her. Anna Tait was found guilty and sentenced to death.

Her Death

Anna Tait was put to death in Haddington. She was strangled, and then her body was burned.

What We Learn from Anna's Story

Anna Tait's case helps us understand more about witchcraft accusations in the past. Historian Louise Yeoman wonders if Anna's tragedy would have happened in a different time.

Professor Julian Goodare notes that in 1643, the Scottish church talked about the reasons people were accused of witchcraft. They listed things like "extreme grief," "anger," "poverty," and "being influenced by other witches." It's interesting that "extreme grief" was at the top of this list. For historians, Anna Tait's story shows how important it is to look at the feelings and mental state of people accused of witchcraft.

Changes After Anna's Time

About 30 years after Anna Tait's death, rules for witchcraft trials changed. It became very important to make sure that people confessing were thinking clearly. They should not be confused or just wanting to die. This new understanding and care came too late for Anna Tait.