Ignorance and Superstition

Following the conviction and imprisonment of Esther Townsley there was further discussion in the papers of other similar incidents. While there was some scorn levelled at the Hendersons of Ramscraigs, calling them simpletons, other writers pointed out that superstition was widespread in Caithness.

Dundee Courier 8 Jun 1866

George Lapstone wrote:

“Sir, - During the trial of the tinker spae wife for victimising the family at Ramscraigs, the sheriff said that he should like very much to see what sort of people they were to allow themselves to be so imposed upon. It is not difficult to see people of their stamp, and his lordship would not have to go far to get his wish gratified. Any person well acquainted with the fishing population of the north, must be well aware that superstition is very often a part of their creed. Cases like what took place at Ramscraigs are of frequent occurrence. About the same time that the above took place, the same tinker or one of her sisterhood, played off a similar trick on three wives who live within a hundred miles of the herring capital. One is a recipient of parochial aid, and gave the pretended prophetess lodgings and a shilling or two in order to reveal to her whether she should still receive outdoor relief, or be sent to the poor-house. The second gave a one pound Bank note to get the tinker’s good wishes, and to propitiate the fates for the purpose of securing a successful fishing to her husband this season, as the last had turned out ill, also to have her blessing in a law suit in which her husband had an interest” 

 

“and the third gave a couple of half-crowns and some farm produce to secure a good fishing, and to weave a spell to hinder uncanny neighbours from taking the freet from her cows. Freet-taking is firmly believed in by nine out of every ten of these woman’s neighbours”. 

 

“Some fishermen never go to sea without one or two four-leaved shamrocks fastened in their dress (a shamrock with four-leaves being considered lucky) others believe in having one of their stockings turned outside in, or  a fish-hook and threads of different colours concealed about their clothes, red being a favourite colour”.

Yours, George Lapstone

Booly Inn, August 10, 1866
JOG 16 Aug 1866

Note: Freet-taking refers to the belief that some women had the power to deteriorate the milk of her neighbour’s cows or ensure the milk yielded no butter, and increase her own accordingly.

 

There were other articles reporting a case at Merthyr Tydril in Wales where a well-educated woman was tricked into giving a gipsy £80. The full details of this report are at The Popular Credulity 23 May 1866 The Western Daily Press.

The Morpeth Herald, May 26, 1866

 

“The writer somewhat indignantly closed his article by saying: “Prisoner left the dock with a baby in her arms in an unconcerned manner, and winked to someone she recognised in the court”.

Highland Travellers - The Summer Walkers, Am Baile c1930s