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Crime and Punishment Uncategorized

Church in the bedroom

16th March 1559. Bessie Smith complains to St Andrews Kirk session that her husband, Andrew Lumsden, has “nocht adhered to hir in bed for twelf years”. Church decrees that he must “adhere to her” within 48 hours. Her neighbours to report back and confirm.

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References

Hay Fleming, D. (ed) (1889) Register of the minister, elders, and deacons of the Christian congregation of St. Andrews : comprising the proceedings of the Kirk session and of the Court of the Superintendent of Fife, Fothrik, and Strathearn. 1559-1600. Vol. 1., Edinburgh University Press. 486pp.

Categories
Crime and Punishment People

Mary, Queen of Scots’ Stalker

Pierre de Bocosel de Chastelard (1540-63) was a French poet and creepy stalker of Mary Queen of Scots. On Valentine’s day 1563 he was found under her bed.

Later, he barged in as she was undressing. He was taken to St Andrews and beheaded at the mercat cross.