Isobell Shyrie facts for kids
Isobell Shyrie was a woman who lived in Forfar, Scotland, a long time ago. Sadly, she was one of many people accused of being a witch during a time when many believed in witchcraft. She died around 1662 because of these accusations.
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Isobell Shyrie's Story
Accusations and Trials
Isobell Shyrie was the first of 12 women arrested in Forfar in 1661. She was taken to the Forfar Tolbooth, which was like a jail. Her arrest happened after someone named George Wood accused her of putting a curse on him. This event started what is now known as the 'Forfar Witch Trials'.
Isobell Shyrie was put to death in December 1662. This happened during a time when many people in Scotland were very afraid of witches. This period is called the Great Scottish Witch Hunt of 1661–62. The witch trials in Forfar ended with the death of Helen Guthrie. She was the last woman to be put to death for witchcraft in the town.
Strange Tales and Accusations
Helen Guthrie, another woman accused of witchcraft, told a strange story in her confession. She claimed that on July 18, 1661, she, Isobell Shyrie, and Elspet Alexander went to Barry. After having some drinks, they supposedly went to the shore. There, they claimed to meet the devil, who looked like a large horse. Their goal, according to the story, was to sink a ship near the coast.
The women supposedly met the devil again later, and he "kissed" them all. In another meeting, the devil was said to have ridden Isobell Shyrie like a horse. He even gave her the nickname "Horse." It was noted that her hands were sore the next morning after this strange event. Another person accused, Agnes Spark, also mentioned Isobell Shyrie in her testimony. She said that Shyrie "did cairie hir away," meaning she took her somewhere.
Remembering the Accused
In 2010, a special memorial was put up in Forfar. It remembers the 22 people, including Isobell Shyrie, who were accused of witchcraft and put to death there. The memorial is dedicated to the 'Forfar Witches'. It has 22 dots, and each dot stands for one of the women who died.
In 2022, a service was held at the East and Old Church in Forfar. This service was to recognize the unfairness of what happened to people accused of witchcraft long ago. During the service, the names of all 22 people from Forfar who were accused, including Isobell Shyrie, were read aloud.
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