Was John Elliot Murdered by the Baillies of Hawick (1672)?

In the early 17th century, in the charming town of Hawick, a sinister tale of betrayal and murder unfolded. The Baillies of Hawick, entrusted with maintaining order and justice, found themselves at the center of a gruesome incident that would forever stain the town's history. This story explores the mysterious murder of John Elliot, known as John of Rynfiegill, and the subsequent trial that captivated the town of Hawick.

Hawick's Tranquil Facade

In the year 1612, the town of Hawick bore a tranquil facade, with its cobbled streets and charming cottages. Hawick's Baillies, Robert Scott and Adam Scott, were respected figures who held the responsibility of maintaining law and order in the town. Little did the townsfolk suspect that behind this peaceful exterior, a heinous crime was about to shake their community.

The Enigmatic Murder

The victim, John Elliot, known as John of Rynfiegill, met a gruesome end in the month of July, 1612, within the confines of Jok Schorte's dwelling. It was a crime that would send shockwaves throughout the town, as the very people entrusted with its safety were now implicated in a murder.

The Accused

The accused included the Baillies of Hawick, Robert and Adam Scott, and their accomplices: Jok Schorte, Hob Scott, and others. The prosecution was represented by Mr. Thomas Nicliolfoun and Lawrence Scott, Advocates, who sought justice for the slain John Elliot.

A Desperate Defense

The defense put forth a shocking claim: that John Elliot had committed suicide by hanging himself in his own belt. They argued that he was found dead in the steeple, having taken his own life. This revelation left the community in disbelief and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding John's death.

The Trial

The trial was a pivotal moment in the case, with the prosecution seeking to prove that the accused were indeed responsible for the murder. The defense, on the other hand, aimed to establish the suicide theory. The town's residents and the victim's family anxiously awaited the outcome.

Testimonies Unveiled

As the trial unfolded, key witnesses stepped forward to shed light on the events surrounding John Elliot's death. One such witness was Robert Lang, a merchant who was in the Kirk yard of Hawick. He claimed that upon hearing the news of John Elliot's hanging, he rushed to the steeple. What he found was both shocking and perplexing.

Robert Lang's Account

Robert Lang's testimony was a turning point in the trial. He recounted his visit to the steeple, where he discovered John Elliot hanging by his own belt. With a sense of urgency, Lang cut the belt and attempted to save the victim. There was still life in John Elliot, but it was slipping away rapidly. In a heartbreaking twist, John Elliot succumbed to his injuries shortly after being brought down from the steeple.

The Verdict

With all the evidence presented and testimonies heard, the jury, comprised of individuals from the town, came to a unanimous decision. In a dramatic moment, the jury announced that the accused, including the Baillies of Hawick, were to be acquitted of any involvement in John Elliot's murder.

The Aftermath

The trial's verdict left the town divided. While some believed in the accused individuals' innocence, others could not shake off the suspicion that a cover-up had taken place. The mystery of John Elliot's death continued to haunt the town, and his memory lingered as a symbol of unresolved justice.

Conclusion

The murder of John Elliot by the Baillies of Hawick remains a dark chapter in the town's history. Despite the trial's verdict, the enigmatic circumstances surrounding John's death continue to captivate the imagination of those who hear the tale. This story serves as a reminder that even in the most idyllic settings, secrets and sinister acts can lurk beneath the surface, forever altering the lives of those involved and the community at large.