Grissel Jaffray

Jaffray was born in Aberdeen and then moved to Dundee.[1] Little is known about her life, however it is known that Jaffray married James Butchart, a Dundee Burgess, in 1615. It is suspected she was part of the influential Jaffrays of Aberdeen, Alexander Jaffray who was Provost of Aberdeen in 1651.

Jaffray was accused of being a spaewife.[2] Her husband was also charged.[1] The records relating to the accusations have been lost, however the names of the three responsible are known. All three of the accusers were leading ministers in the Dundee Presbytery at the time: Harry Scrymsour of St Mary's, John Guthrie of South Church and William Rait of Third Charge (now St Paul's).

Jaffray was interrogated and she accused several others of being witches.[1] She was sent to trial by Dundee Privy Council on 11 November 1669. She was found guilty.[3]

Before being burned, Jaffray was strangled. She is allegedly buried in the Howff graveyard in Dundee, however it is unlikely that an alleged witch would be buried on consecrated ground. Her husband escaped execution and he finished his life in a poor house.[1]

Despite this a 'witches stone' stands in the spot where she is supposedly buried. Local legend has it that leaving her an offering can bring good luck to those in need, the marker can frequently be found with coins and other simple offerings placed upon it.

She has her name featured on a plaque that was installed on Peter Street as part of the Dundee Women's' Trail as well as a mosaic of a torch that both allegedly mark the spot of her death.[4]

Her life has inspired a book of fiction titled "I Am Grissel Jaffray" by Claire-Marie Watson, which won the Dundee 6000 award.[1]